Senior Scientist-translation Research

*** this is a strict 4 month contract covering for a parental leave at our client***

Position Summary

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Translational Scientist to join our Translational Research team and drive biomarker discovery and translational biology efforts across our immunology and inflammation portfolio. This individual will play a critical role in advancing our understanding of target biology by leveraging quantitative image analysis, primary human cellular and tissue models, and translational research approaches to support therapeutic development.

The successful candidate will serve as a scientific leader, partnering closely with cross-functional teams to design and execute mechanism-of-action studies, identify and validate biomarkers, and translate preclinical findings into meaningful clinical insights. Expertise in inflammatory diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis, and advanced image analysis is highly desired.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize advanced quantitative image analysis methodologies, including HALO, to evaluate biomarkers and generate insights from complex tissue and cellular datasets.
• Design, execute, and interpret translational research studies that support target validation, mechanism-of-action investigations, and biomarker discovery initiatives.
• Employ in vivo animal models and ex vivo primary human cellular and tissue-based systems to characterize disease biology and therapeutic responses.
• Develop and implement biomarker strategies to support preclinical and clinical development programs across multiple immunology and inflammation indications.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret multi-dimensional datasets, including RNA, protein, and omics-based data, to inform decision-making and program advancement.
• Collaborate with Discovery Research, Clinical Development, Bioinformatics, Biomarker Sciences, and other cross-functional stakeholders to integrate translational findings into development strategies.
• Support the development, qualification, and implementation of biomarker assays for research and clinical applications.
• Manage and oversee activities performed by CROs, external vendors, and academic collaborators, ensuring scientific rigor, timely execution, and high-quality deliverables.
• Present scientific findings to project teams, leadership, and external scientific audiences through reports, presentations, and publications.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and scientific advancements in translational medicine, immunology, inflammation, and digital pathology.

QualificationsRequired

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of industry experience within biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical organizations.
• Strong scientific experience in immunology and inflammatory diseases.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative image analysis, with HALO proficiency required.
• Extensive experience utilizing in vivo animal models and ex vivo primary human cellular and tissue systems to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses.
• Hands-on experience with technologies used to measure RNA and protein expression, including molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques.
• Experience generating, analyzing, and interpreting omics datasets and supporting biomarker discovery and development efforts.
• Proven success managing external CROs, academic collaborations, and research vendors.
• Strong project management, scientific communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, matrixed environment and effectively influence cross-functional teams.

Preferred

• Direct experience in atopic dermatitis research and drug development.
• Experience supporting translational strategies for clinical-stage immunology or inflammation programs.
• Familiarity with digital pathology, spatial biology, multiplex imaging, and advanced biomarker technologies.
• Track record of scientific publications and presentations in relevant therapeutic areas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Watertown, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90.00 - $100.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Watertown,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.