Translational Medicine Lead, Oncology Therapy Area, R&D, Orion Corporation (Boston)

Translational Medicine Lead, Oncology Therapy Area, R&D, Orion Corporation

Are you a visionary scientist with a passion for oncology and translational research? Do you thrive at the intersection of discovery and clinical development? We are seeking a strategic and scientifically rigorous Translational Medicine Lead to advance programs and drive innovation in our oncology pipeline. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a purpose-driven company and play a foundational role in building translational capabilities that will impact the future of oncology therapies.

This high-impact individual contributor role brings matrix leadership responsibility. The role collaborates across internal and external stakeholders to integrate translational science into research and clinical development, driving translational research, clinical biomarkers, companion diagnostics, and biomarker‑enabled decision making. This position reports to VP Global Translational Medicine and can be based in Cambridge, MA, US or Cambridge, UK (Hybrid work according to Orion's policy).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and own Translational Medicine strategy for one or more oncology programs across research to clinical development, with a focus on biomarker development, patient enrichment, companion diagnostics, proof of mechanism and resistance insights.
• Subject matter expert in solid tumor biology, disease progression and treatment options; accountable for the strategic design and oversight of implementation of Biomarker strategies associated with disease context and drug modalities.
• Serve as the bridge between discovery research and clinical development; providing critical input in developing translational strategies to bring new agents to the clinic.
• Ensure translational insights are embedded into study trial design and conduct.
• Serve as the single accountable Translational Medicine representative within the Global Project Team.
• Partner with internal and external collaborators to deliver clinically validated biomarker assays into clinical studies.
• Collaborate closely with CDx lead, translational biology lead, regulatory and commercial to advance companion diagnostic development and regulatory approval.
• Deliver timely, high-quality biomarker data and integrated insights to accelerate program decision-making.
• Lead reverse translation via the continuous learning from patients’ data to generate insights that can be back translate to research and early development.
• Lead Translational Medicine matrix teams across research, translational pharmacology, clinical development, Bioinformatics, Translational Biology, CDx and QSP Lead.
• Ensure the appropriate evaluation of state‑of‑the‑art platform technologies and incorporating innovative biomarkers into translational medicine plans.
• Contribute to IND, CTA, and regulatory submissions, ensuring translational strategies support successful approvals.

What are we looking for?

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in biological sciences or related.
• 5+ years relevant translational experience within biotech/pharma.
• Strong experience in clinical biomarkers and translational strategy execution.
• Experience in oncology drug development.
• Proven experience in matrix leadership and cross‑functional delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep expertise in cancer biology and treatment landscape.
• Deep experience integrating clinical omics data into development decision making.
• Hands‑on experience across modalities (e.g., small molecules, ADCs, IO, cell therapies).
• Demonstrated experience with CDx strategy and regulatory pathways.
• Strong ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive decisions in a matrix environment.

Travel Requirements

• Ability and willingness to travel internationally as required.