Senior Scientist, Translational Research (Immunohistochemistry)

Crescent Biopharma; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Equity

Employer-paid benefits

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Crescent Biopharma is seeking a Senior Scientist, Translational Research to advance tissue-based biomarker strategies across our oncology portfolio, with emphasis on IHC, translational biology, and biomarker development. You will lead design, execution, and interpretation of tissue-based translational studies supporting discovery and preclinical programs.

You will collaborate with Research, Translational Medicine, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, and external partners to generate data

Qualifications

• PhD in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Pathology, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.
• 5–7 years of industry or postdoc experience in translational research/biomarker sciences.
• Hands-on IHC assay development, optimization, and interpretation.

Responsibilities

• Lead translational biomarker strategies across oncology programs.
• Design and interpret IHC, multiplex IHC/IF, and tissue-based biomarker studies.
• Oversee biomarker studies with CROs and external labs including validation and data review.
• Integrate tissue biomarker data with genomic and clinical datasets for insights.
• Support regulatory submissions and scientific publications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify biomarkers for mechanism of action and patient stratification.
• Evaluate emerging technologies in digital pathology and spatial biology.
• Present findings to internal teams and external collaborators.

Skills

IHC assay development

Biomarker development

Translational biology

Data analysis

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PhD in Cancer Biology/Immunology/Pathology

Tools

Multiplex IHC/IF

Digital pathology

Image analysis platforms

Job description

Crescent Biopharma’s vision is to build a world leading oncology company bringing the next wave of therapies for cancer patients. The Company’s clinical-stage pipeline includes its lead program, a PD-1 x VEGF bispecific antibody, as well as novel antibody-drug conjugates. By leveraging multiple modalities and established targets, Crescent aims to rapidly advance potentially transformative therapies as single agents and as part of combination regimens to treat a range of solid tumors. For more information, visit www.crescentbiopharma.com and follow the Company on LinkedIn and X.

We are seeking a experienced and highly motivated Senior Scientist, Translational Research to join our growing Research organization. This role will be instrumental in advancing tissue-based biomarker strategies across our oncology portfolio, with a particular emphasis on immunohistochemistry (IHC), translational biology, and biomarker development.

You will lead the design, execution, and interpretation of tissue-based translational studies supporting discovery and preclinical-stage programs. You will be responsible for developing and implementing biomarker strategies that enhance our understanding of target biology and expression, mechanism of action, and pharmacodynamic activity.

You will work closely with Research, Translational Medicine, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, and external partners to generate data that drives key development decisions and supports precision medicine approaches.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of translational biomarker strategies across multiple oncology programs.
• Design, oversee, and interpret IHC, multiplex IHC/immunofluorescence, and other tissue-based biomarker studies.
• Manage biomarker studies conducted through CROs and external laboratory partners, including assay development, validation, data review, troubleshooting, and scientific oversight.
• Analyze and integrate tissue biomarker data with genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical datasets to generate actionable insights.
• Contribute to study reports, regulatory submissions, clinical protocols, investigator brochures, and scientific publications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify biomarkers that support mechanism of action, pharmacodynamic activity, resistance mechanisms, and potential patient stratification.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies in digital pathology, multiplex imaging, spatial biology, and tissue analytics.
• Present scientific findings to internal teams, senior leadership, and external collaborators.

Education & Experience

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related discipline.
• 5-7 years of industry experience, or equivalent postdoctoral and industry experience, in translational research, biomarker sciences, or oncology drug development.
• Extensive hands-on experience with immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay development, optimization, and interpretation using human tissue samples.
• Strong understanding of tumor biology, tumor microenvironment biology, and translational oncology.
• Experience working with external CROs and managing outsourced studies.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments and interpret complex biological datasets.
• Strong communication, presentation, and scientific writing skills.
• Proven ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced biotechnology environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multiplex IHC/IF, digital pathology, image analysis platforms, and spatial biology technologies.
• Knowledge of biomarker development for early-phase clinical trials.
• Familiarity with technologies such as RNAscope, GeoMx, CosMx, Visium, Akoya, or related platforms.
• Experience supporting IND-enabling or clinical development programs.
• Background in oncology, immuno-oncology, antibody therapeutics, ADCs, or targeted therapies.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to join a mission-driven team where you'll contribute to impactful work, take on varied responsibilities, and grow quickly in a dynamic environment
• Competitive compensation, including base salary, performance bonus, and equity
• 100% employer-paid benefits package
• Flexible PTO.
• Two, one-week company-wide shutdowns each year
• A commitment to your professional development, with access to resources, mentorship, and growth opportunities

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $170,000 to $190,000.

The final salary offered will depend on several factors, which may include, but is not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography.

Additional Description for Pay Transparency:

The final salary offered will depend on several factors, which may include, but is not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography. Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees and/or eligible dependents are eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability. Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees are eligible to participate in the Company’s savings plan (401(k)). This position is eligible to participate in the Company’s long-term incentive program. Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, Employees are eligible for the following time off benefits: Vacation – Unlimited PTO; Sick time – 10 days per calendar year; Holiday pay, including two Company shut downs; Parental Leave – 16 weeks within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child; FMLA; Military Leave. Additional information can be found - https://www.crescentbiopharma.com/careers/#benefits

Please note:

Crescent Biopharma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Please note, Crescent does not accept unsolicited resumes from external agencies or recruiters. Submission of a resume without a prior written agreement does not create any express or implied contract between Crescent and the agency. Crescent will not pay any fees related to unsolicited resumes.