Associate Principal Scientist, Clinical Research

Scorpion Therapeutics; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Scorpion Therapeutics is seeking a Biomarker Operations professional to plan and execute biomarker strategies across clinical trials. You will ensure compliant biospecimen collection, assay execution, and timely data delivery while driving data quality and operational excellence.

You will collaborate with biomarker scientists and study teams, co-author protocol sections, manage specimen logistics, and coordinate vendor data transfers into the clinical data repository, enabling efficient program

Qualifications

• Demonstrated project management experience in clinical or biomarker programs.
• Experience in drug discovery and/or clinical research is required.
• Ability to excel in fast-paced, evolving environments and drive operational excellence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; work well independently in a matrix setup.

Responsibilities

• Plan biomarker setup and logistics across studies.
• Collaborate with biomarker scientists and study teams to execute programs.
• Co-author biomarker sections of clinical study protocols.
• Define specimen collection, handling, shipping, storage, and processing requirements.
• Develop vendor statements of work and data-transfer specs; coordinate logistics and risk mitigation.
• Partner with Data Management to transfer biomarker data from vendors into the clinical data repository.
• Design sample collection kits and logistics for third-party shipments.
• Maintain partnerships with external biomarker vendors and internal teams.
• Identify and resolve conflicting stakeholder needs; improve workflows for efficiency.

Skills

Project management

Drug discovery

Clinical research

Communication skills

Independent work in matrix environment

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in a scientific field

Tools

Power BI

Power Automate

Copilot

Job description

Role Summary

• Plan and execute clinical-trial biomarkers across the pipeline, ensuring compliant, efficient biospecimen collection, assay execution, and data delivery. Drive operational excellence, data quality, and compliance across the biomarker assay project lifecycle.

Primary Activities (include, but not limited to)

• Collaborate with biomarker scientists and study teams to plan biomarker set-up and logistics.
• Serve as operational partner to Biomarker Leads to implement strategies advancing biomarker programs.
• Co-author biomarker-related sections of clinical study protocols.
• Define and manage specimen collection, handling, shipping, storage, and processing requirements.
• Develop vendor statements of work and data-transfer specifications; coordinate sample/assay logistics, issue resolution, and risk mitigation.
• Partner with Data Management to transfer biomarker data from external vendors into the clinical data repository.
• Design sample collection kits, laboratory manuals, and specimen logistics for third-party vendor shipments.
• Maintain partnerships with external biomarker vendors and internal teams.
• Identify and resolve conflicting stakeholder needs.
• Implement and continuously improve streamlined workflows to maximize efficiency and data quality.

Education

• Bachelor’s (≥8 years) or Master’s+ (≥5 years) in a scientific/technical field.

Required

• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Proven experience in drug discovery and/or clinical research.
• Ability to excel in fast-paced, evolving conditions and advocate for operational excellence.
• Excellent written/verbal communication; able to work independently in a collaborative matrix environment.

Preferred

• Experience with Microsoft Power BI, Power Automate, Copilot, or similar automation tools.

Required Skills

• Biobank, biomarker development/discovery/identification/qualification; clinical research; clinical trials operations; drug research; GCP; sample handling; translational medicine.