Senior Scientist - Spatial Biology

Job Title: Senior Scientist - Spatial Biology (Fixed-Term Contract)

Job Description

This fixed-term Senior Scientist role focuses on applying advanced spatial multi-omic platforms to clinical FFPE tissue specimens in support of a strategic pharmaceutical collaboration. The position centers on novel immuno-oncology mechanism discovery, with a particular emphasis on characterizing T-cell states and TCR engagement within the tumor microenvironment. The scientist will own the full experimental pipeline, from tissue processing and assay execution through data generation, quality control, and delivery of analysis-ready datasets. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role for an experienced spatial biologist who can operate independently within a defined project timeline and deliverable schedule over a 29-week contract.

Responsibilities

• Execute spatial multi-omic assays on FFPE tissue specimens following established standard operating procedures, adapting protocols as needed to address tissue-specific challenges.
• Own end-to-end sample processing, including tissue quality control and triage, coordination of sectioning, staining, probe hybridization, and instrument run setup.
• Perform single-cell spatial data generation across imaging cycles, ensuring robust data capture and consistency throughout the workflow.
• Conduct real-time quality control of assays and instrument performance, promptly flagging, troubleshooting, and resolving technical issues.
• Curate, quality-check, and package datasets for delivery to internal stakeholders and external collaborators within agreed timelines.
• Maintain clear chain-of-custody and version control for all datasets and deliverables to ensure traceability and data integrity.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, including run logs, QC reports, protocol deviations, and troubleshooting documentation.
• Communicate progress, data quality issues, and key results clearly and promptly to project leads and cross-functional teams through verbal updates and written reports.
• Collaborate closely with bioinformatics and data science partners to ensure that data formats and metadata meet downstream analysis requirements.
• Handle and maintain biological specimens, including BSL-2 tissues, in strict compliance with institutional biosafety requirements.
• Work closely with internal R&D teams and the collaborator's research group to align experimental execution with project goals and timelines.
• Operate independently in a hands-on wet-lab environment, managing multiple experiments and deliverables against a defined project schedule.

Essential Skills

• PhD in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biophysics, chemical biology, cancer biology, or a related discipline with 3+ years of post-graduate experience.
• Hands-on experience with spatial biology platforms (such as CosMx or comparable systems), including direct wet-bench operation rather than analysis-only work.
• Strong background in FFPE tissue processing, including preparation, handling, and optimization for spatial assays.
• Demonstrated expertise in in situ hybridization techniques applied to tissue specimens.
• Proficiency in immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence methods for tissue-based assays.
• Working knowledge of tumor immunology and T-cell biology, including familiarity with the tumor microenvironment.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and multi-cycle or multiplexed imaging workflows.
• Proven ability to independently execute, troubleshoot, and perform quality control on complex assays against defined delivery timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present data and findings to both scientific and program-management audiences.
• Ability to work on-site to perform wet-lab activities and operate instruments in alignment with hybrid schedule requirements.
• Experience maintaining detailed laboratory records, including run logs, QC documentation, and deviation reports.
• Demonstrated capability to manage chain-of-custody and version control for experimental datasets.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with clinical tissue specimens, particularly in immuno-oncology research contexts.
• Familiarity with T-cell receptor engagement and characterization of T-cell states within the tumor microenvironment.
• Comfort collaborating with cross-functional teams, including R&D scientists, program managers, and external partners.
• Experience supporting strategic collaborations or partnered research projects with defined milestones and deliverables.
• Ability to adapt and refine SOPs for spatial multi-omic assays based on tissue-specific or project-specific requirements.
• Experience coordinating closely with bioinformatics or data science teams to align experimental outputs with downstream analytical needs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing multiple samples, experiments, and timelines in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment*

The role is primarily laboratory-based, with responsibilities split between wet bench work and quality control documentation. The scientist will work on-site to perform FFPE tissue processing, staining, probe hybridization, and operation of spatial multi-omic platforms and fluorescence microscopy systems. The environment involves handling BSL-2 biological specimens in compliance with institutional biosafety standards and following established SOPs and documentation practices. Work is conducted within a hybrid schedule framework that requires on-site presence for wet-lab and instrument activities, complemented by time dedicated to data curation, QC reporting, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. The position operates within a collaborative research setting focused on immuno-oncology and spatial biology, with clear project timelines, structured deliverables, and regular communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $85.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Seattle,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.