Principal Scientist

ICON; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Various annual leave entitlements

Health insurance offerings

Competitive retirement planning

LifeWorks — EAP

Life assurance

Childcare vouchers

Bike purchase scheme

Discounted gym memberships

Subsidized travel passes

Health assessments

Job summary

ICON plc is seeking a Principal Scientist (Research Scientist) in Lenexa, Kansas to lead LC/MS/MS method development and validation for preclinical and clinical specimens. You will direct assay transfer, review complex data, and support sponsor programs while collaborating with Operations and Research teams.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in a relevant field, strong analytical skills, and experience in pharmaceutical or clinical research environments. Travel ~5% may be required.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in a relevant scientific field with LC/MS/MS experience.
• Proven method development experience in pharma or clinical research.
• Experience managing scientific projects and data interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and validation of LC/MS/MS assays for preclinical and clinical samples.
• Oversee transfer of LC/MS/MS methods for small molecules, radiolabeled compounds and biologics.
• Review data presentations for sponsors and provide troubleshooting support.
• Contribute technical input for marketing collateral and conferences.
• Collaborate across departments to write validation plans, reports and SOPs.
• Lead assay transfers to ICON lab locations.

Skills

LC/MS/MS method development

Data interpretation

Statistical analysis

Communication skills

Education

PhD or MSc in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or clinical research

Tools

Tomtec

Hamilton

Kingfisher

Integra Assist

Job description

Principal Scientist (Research Scientist)- Bioanalytical, LC/MS/MS) - Full time, Salary, Benefits - Lenexa, Kansas (KS)

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to shape the future of clinical development.

Are you a scientist with expertise in method development? Take the next step in your career by joining ICON where you’ll advance groundbreaking clinical therapies by leading global client programs.

We are excited to be seeking a new Research Scientist at ICON in Lenexa, Kansas (KS). The Research Scientist will lead and conduct scientific research aimed at advancing clinical trials and developing innovative therapies. You will manage sponsor programs, shape assay strategies, and provide expertise for new and complex modalities.

We are seeking candidates with robust method development and knowledge in science for new biological modalities.

What You Will Do:

The Research Scientist is responsible for method development and validation for testing preclinical and clinical specimens using LC/MS/MS analytical methods. In addition, you will oversee transfer robust LC/MS/MS methods for small molecules, radiolabeled compounds and biologics for bioanalytical testing.

Key responsibilities include:

• Independently direct development and validation of new LC/MS/MS assays using appropriate methods such as (but not limited to) Tomtec, Hamilton, Kingfisher, Integra Assist plus, etc.
• Ensure robust LC/MS/MS methods are developed for successful method validation of both small molecules, radiolabeled analytes and biologics such as ADCs, oligonucleotides, mAb, etc.
• Review data presentations for accuracy and clarity prior to sharing with sponsors
• Provide support to Laboratory Operations staff regarding assay quality, expected results, troubleshooting and data review
• Provide technical input for ICON Marketing collateral, attend conferences, publish papers in the peer-reviewed literature
• Drive new business by consulting with sponsors on assay requirements for new projects
• Collaborate with inter-departmental functions to write and review validation plans, reports and SOP’s
• Lead assay transfers to other ICON lab locations

Your Profile:

Required qualifications and experience:

• PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant scientific field such as biology, chemistry, pharmacology, or clinical research.
• MS degrees considered with proven LC/MS/MS method development experience in the pharmaceutical or clinical research industry.
• Experience in conducting research within the clinical or pharmaceutical industry, with a proven track record of managing scientific projects.
• Strong analytical skills and expertise in data interpretation and statistical analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Willingness to travel as required (approximately 5%)

#LI-KM3

What ICON can offer you:

Our success depends on the quality of our people. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to build a diverse culture that rewards high performance and nurtures talent.

In addition to your competitive salary, ICON offers a range of additional benefits. Our benefits are designed to be competitive within each country and are focused on well‑being and work life balance opportunities for you and your family.

Our benefits examples include:

• Various annual leave entitlements
• A range of health insurance offerings to suit you and your family’s needs.
• Competitive retirement planning offerings to maximize savings and plan with confidence for the years ahead.
• Global Employee Assistance Programme, LifeWorks, offering 24-hour access to a global network of over 80,000 independent specialized professionals who are there to support you and your family’s well‑being.
• Life assurance
• Flexible country‑specific optional benefits, including childcare vouchers, bike purchase schemes, discounted gym memberships, subsidized travel passes, health assessments, among others.

Visit our careers site to read more about the benefits ICON offers.

At ICON, inclusion & belonging are fundamental to our culture and values. We’re dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. ICON is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please let us know or submit a request here

Interested in the role, but unsure if you meet all of the requirements? We would encourage you to apply regardless – there’s every chance you’re exactly what we’re looking for here at ICON whether it is for this or other roles.

Are you a current ICON Employee? Please click here to apply