Pharma Translational Biologist

Cogent Scientific; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Relocation assistance

Paid holidays

Job summary

Cogent Scientific in New York, NY is seeking a Pharma Translational Biologist to lead development and validation of molecular and cellular assays for preclinical oncology programs. You will design experiments to probe drug effects, identify biomarkers, and explore combination strategies in collaboration with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes translating findings into actionable strategies, mentoring junior scientists, and contributing to regulatory documents and scientific

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, or related field with 2+ years of postdoctoral, research, or industry experience; OR
• M.S. in a relevant discipline with 6+ years of hands-on experience in a biopharmaceutical setting; OR
• B.S. in a relevant discipline with 8+ years of hands-on experience in a biopharmaceutical setting.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate molecular and mammalian cellular assays for preclinical studies.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate compound effects and resistance mechanisms.
• Translate preclinical findings into biomarker hypotheses and combination strategies for clinical development.
• Present data in project team meetings and drive scientific discussion.
• Prepare internal and external documents including regulatory submissions and publications.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cancer biology

Biochemistry

Cell culture

Scientific communication

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology or related field

MS in related discipline

BS in related discipline

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Flow cytometry (FACS)

Next-generation sequencing platforms

qRT-PCR

Western blotting

Job description

Job Description

Cogent Scientific, an insourced contract research organization, is looking for the right people to accomplish our Mission: to support the life sciences industry by cultivating and empowering exceptional scientists to deliver specialized laboratory services that advance research, foster collaboration, and accelerate innovation through quality and a shared commitment to excellence. We can offer you the chance to build on your skills and knowledge while working among experts in their fields and with cutting-edge instrumentation.

Cogent Scientific offers competitive pay, attractive benefits (such as medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k); parental leave; PTO and paid holidays; etc.) and an exciting work environment. This position may include relocation benefits as well. We aim to recruit the best people who stand out among their peers and embody our Core Values:

• Client Focused: We only succeed when our clients succeed.
• Outstanding: We deliver meticulous results through outstanding performance.
• Good: We act ethically and morally.
• Employee-Centric: We honor and support our employees.
• Nimble: We are prepared to adapt in an ever-changing industry.
• Team-Oriented: We collaborate with each other and with our clients.

We currently have a role available for a Pharma Translational Biologist.

Job duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, optimize, and validate molecular and mammalian cellular assays to address mechanistic and functional questions in preclinical studies.
• Design and execute experiments to evaluate compound effects, identify rational combination partners, and investigate drug resistance mechanisms.
• Translate preclinical findings into actionable biomarker hypotheses and combination strategies including suitable patient segments to advance programs into and through clinical development.
• Represent Translational Sciences in project team meetings; present data, interpret results in a therapeutic context, and drive scientific discussion.
• Excellent people and communication skills, with a positive, "can-do" attitude in a dynamic, fast-paced team focused on rigorous and cutting-edge science to deliver innovative cancer drugs and provide forward-thinking approaches to advance the Oncology portfolio.
• Prepare high-quality internal reports and contribute to external-facing documents including regulatory submissions and scientific publications.
• Proactively evaluate emerging technologies and service providers to ensure work is conducted with scientific rigor and operational efficiency.
• Continuously advance expertise in the relevant molecular pathways and therapeutic area, maintaining awareness of developments from target identification through clinical trials.
• Mentor junior scientists and contribute to the scientific culture of the Translational Sciences team.

Job requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline with 2+ years of postdoctoral, research, or industry experience; OR
• M.S. in a relevant discipline with 6+ years of hands-on experience in a biopharmaceutical setting; OR
• B.S. in a relevant discipline with 8+ years of hands-on experience in a biopharmaceutical setting.
• Proven track record in developing, executing, and troubleshooting molecular and cellular assays; experience engineering cell models to modulate gene expression and interrogate cellular signal transduction pathways; experience with primary cell or immune co-culture systems is a plus
• Proficiency with core molecular biology techniques: vector engineering, cloning and mutagenesis, qRT-PCR, ELISA, MSD, Western blotting, next-generation sequencing platforms, and flow cytometry (FACS).
• Strong quantitative and statistical analysis skills; experience with curve-fitting and data analysis software (e.g., GraphPad Prism).
• Experience in oncogenic signaling, tumor cell metabolism and immuno-oncology is preferred; epigenetic platform analyses, inflammatory diseases are a plus.
• Highly organized with rigorous documentation practices and the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; effective across all organizational levels including colleagues, scientific advisors, clinical teams, and external partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to staying current with scientific advances in targeted oncology — from target identification through human clinical trials.
• Collaborative, thoughtful listener who values diverse scientific perspectives and contributes to a positive team culture.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive in identifying process improvements and resolving scientific or operational challenges

This is an onsite, day shift position (approx. 8a-5p local time).

Cogent Scientific provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate based on any legally protected characteristic.

Additionally, if you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.

This job posting will close by 10/19/2026 or when a candidate is identified, whichever comes first.