Target Discovery Lead, Cancer Genomics, Oncology Research

Orion Corporation; Turku; Remote; EUR 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Job summary

Orion Pharma in Turku, Finland, seeks a Target Discovery Lead to advance cancer genomics and identify novel targets across oncology research units.

You will lead a cross-functional group, design discovery strategies, validate targets with complex assays, and collaborate with bioinformatics and translational teams to move candidates toward clinical development.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cancer Genomics, Genetics, or related field.
• Stronger background in oncology research and target discovery.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in drug discovery.

Responsibilities

• Lead ideation and prioritization of cancer targets.
• Oversee validation assays and data interpretation.
• Collaborate with bioinformatics and translational research teams.
• Drive project progression with clear advancement criteria.

Skills

Team leadership

Genomics expertise

CRISPR-based genomics

Data integration

Communication

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology, Cancer Genomics, Genetics, or related field

Tools

CRISPR-based functional genomics

Multi-omics analysis tools

Flow cytometry

Advanced microscopy

Job description

Target Discovery Lead, Cancer Genomics, Oncology Research

Turku, Finland (On-site)

Job Description

About the Role

Orion Pharma is making strategic investments in challenging R&D areas where our expertise can drive breakthroughs—particularly in cancer therapies. As part of this commitment, we are enhancing our oncology research capabilities by establishing dedicated Target Discovery teams within each of our oncology research units: Immuno-Oncology, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Cancer Genomics.

We are seeking an accomplished Target Discovery Lead to join the Cancer Genomics Research Team. The Target Discovery Lead drives innovation in cancer genomics by identifying and validating novel therapeutic targets. This role combines strategic thinking, scientific leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to advance high-impact ideas through the discovery pipeline. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in target identification and validation, preferably within the small molecule space.

Key Responsibilities

Scientific Strategy & Innovation

• Monitor emerging trends and breakthroughs in cancer genomics to inspire new target concepts.
• Lead ideation sessions and foster a culture of creativity and scientific rigor in target discovery.

Target Identification & Prioritization

• Design and implement strategies for identifying high-potential therapeutic targets in collaboration with bioinformatics and translational research teams.
• Evaluate and prioritize target ideas based on biological relevance, feasibility, and clinical impact.

Validation & Advancement

• Oversee experimental validation of selected targets, ensuring robust scientific evidence. Develop and conduct complex assays.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, synthesize insights, and communicate results effectively in internal reviews and external presentations.
• Define clear advancement criteria and decision-making frameworks to progress targets through the pipeline.

Leadership & Accountability

• Act as the primary owner for target ideation goals, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with organizational strategy.
• Collaborate cross-functionally internally and externally to integrate insights from genomics, bioinformatics, and clinical research.
• Initiate and manage strategic collaborations with CROs, academic institutions, and industry partners to accelerate target discovery and validation.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to discover and validate novel cancer targets and help develop first- or best-in-class targets from concept to clinical candidate. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer therapies that can make a real difference for patients.

You will be located in Turku, Finland, and will report to the Head of Cancer Genomics team. This is a full-time, permanent, and on-site position. Orion Pharma will support relocation to Finland.

What We Offer

• A chance to work with experienced scientists across Orion’s R&D.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment with opportunities for growth.
• The opportunity to contribute to innovative therapies that improve patients’ lives.

At Orion Pharma, your work creates true impact and well-being for our customers, patients and society at large. Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation, and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support the development of innovative solutions and improving the quality of life.

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cancer Genomics, Genetics, or related field.
• 6–7 years of postdoctoral industry experience in oncology research, target discovery, or drug development.
• Proven track record in target identification and validation within cancer biology.
• Strong understanding of genomics, bioinformatics, and translational research.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive projects to completion.
• Excellent communication and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience with CRISPR-based functional genomics and gene-editing technologies.
• Proficiency in multi-omics data analysis (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics), with experience in flow cytometry, advanced microscopy techniques.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with computational biology tools and pipelines for target discovery.
• Knowledge of tumor biology and resistance mechanisms.
• Strong ability to interpret large-scale datasets and integrate insights into experimental design.
• Prior experience in pharma or biotech environments with drug discovery exposure.

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.

Orion Pharma’s pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ around 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Cambridge and Nottingham in England and in New York, NY, 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.

Target Discovery Team (Cancer Genomics) is a part of the Cancer Genomics Research Group, one of three scientific units within Oncology Research, a division of Orion’s R&D Organization. Our team is dedicated to the discovery, validation and targeting of therapeutic targets (utilizing small molecule focused modalities), leveraging omics technologies alongside a broad array of biophysical, biochemical, molecular, cellular, and in vivo methods. We strive to develop cutting‑edge small molecule therapies with the potential to transform the lives of cancer patients.

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.