Postdoctoral Researcher, Oncology, Industrial Postdoctoral Programme

Orion Corporation; Turku; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Corporation in Turku, Finland, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance drug discovery at the interface of academia and industry. You will lead an independent project in Orion’s Cancer Genomics Unit, designing and executing studies, and contributing to validation strategies within the induced proximity drug discovery pipeline.

The two-year Industrial Postdoctoral Program offers collaboration with external academics, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to publish

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the last four years (excluding maternity leave, military service and non-military service).
• Doctoral candidates who graduate within 6–9 months may apply with assurance from guiding professor.
• Strong scientific publication record relative to career stage.
• Experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute an independent postdoctoral research project.
• Design, conduct, analyse, and interpret scientific studies.
• Develop innovative solutions to research questions relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams within Orion and external academic partners.
• Prepare high-quality scientific reports, publications, presentations, and project updates.
• Present research findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to scientific discussions, innovation activities, and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, data integrity, and IP requirements.

Skills

English communication

Independent & collaborative work

Scientific problem-solving

Education

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Job description

Turku, Finland and 1 more (On-site)

Job Description

Shape the Future of Drug Discovery and Development

At Orion Pharma, we believe that scientific breakthroughs are built through strong collaboration between academia and industry. The Industrial Postdoctoral Program offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to apply their scientific expertise to real-world challenges within a leading pharmaceutical company.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will work at the interface of cutting-edge academic research and industrial innovation, contributing to projects with the potential to advance drug discovery, development, and patient care.

Orion’s Cancer Genomics Unit has identified the following research topic, providing an opportunity to develop innovative target discovery strategies and contribute to the next generation of precision cancer medicines.

Identification of Novel Target-Effector Protein Pairs for Induced Proximity Medicines Design

This project aims to accelerate the discovery of next-generation oncology therapies by identifying novel target-effector protein pairs for induced proximity medicines. The postdoctoral researcher will integrate clinical omics, functional genomics, and protein interaction data to prioritize cancer-specific protein pairs and develop innovative validation strategies combining functional genomics and chemical biology. The work will generate high-value candidates for Orion’s induced proximity drug discovery pipeline and contribute to the development of novel precision medicines for cancer.

About the Program

The Industrial Postdoctoral Program combines academic excellence with industrial impact. You will work closely with Orion Pharma scientists, external academic collaborators, and other subject matter experts to drive a research project that aligns with both scientific and business objectives. The project is expected to generate new scientific knowledge while also addressing challenges relevant to the pharmaceutical industry. Learn more about the program through PoDoCo: podoco.fi

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute an independent postdoctoral research project.
• Design, conduct, analyse, and interpret scientific studies.
• Develop innovative solutions to research questions relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams within Orion and external academic partners.
• Prepare high-quality scientific reports, publications, presentations, and project updates.
• Present research findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to scientific discussions, innovation activities, and knowledge sharing.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality, safety, data integrity, and intellectual property requirements.

What We Are Looking For

Required qualifications

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline, such as:
  • Oncology
  • Pain
  • DMPK & Safety
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Biology
  • Structural Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Computational Sciences
  • Bioinformatics
  • Drug Discovery or a related field
• PhD completed within the last four years (excluding maternity leave, military service and non-military service)
• Doctoral candidates, who have not yet graduated but are graduating during the next 6-9 months may also apply. In such cases, assurance from the guiding professor must be enclosed with the application.
• Strong scientific publication record relative to career stage.
• Experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary environments.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in translational research or industry collaboration.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical R&D processes.
• Experience with advanced technologies relevant to the project area.
• Demonstrated ability to drive research activities from concept to outcome

What We Offer

• A two-year project combining academic research with industry experience. During the second year, the selected candidate will be employed by Orion Pharma under a fixed-term employment contract and become part of our research community.
• A unique opportunity to conduct high-impact research in collaboration with leading industry and academic experts.
• Access to state-of-the‑art research facilities and technologies.
• Exposure to pharmaceutical research and development in an international environment.
• Opportunities to build professional networks across academia and industry.
• Support for scientific publications and conference participation, subject to program guidelines.
• A collaborative culture where innovation, learning, and scientific excellence are valued.

Approved medical examination which also includes drug testing is required prior to the employment. We will also carry out a security clearance prior to the employment for the selected person.

Your new team

Orion’s pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ over 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Nottingham and Cambridge in the UK, and in Cambridge, MA, USA. Orion R&D and the Innovative Medicines business division are dedicated to making a transformation to become a global player in the pain and oncology therapy areas.

About Us

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well‑being for over a hundred years.

We’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we’re proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.