Senior Research Scientist

Description

This is a contract position where the candidate will be responsible for performing in‑vitro studies for cancer drug discovery programs. This includes developing relevant pre‑clinical model systems to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets. The successful candidate is expected to work with minimal supervision in most molecular and cellular biology techniques and demonstrates an understanding of cancer biology. Experience with oncogenic signaling pathways and targeted therapies is an advantage.

The candidate is expected to work with their supervisor to design and execute a research plan to answer critical questions about compounds and targets under evaluation.

• Leverage chemical and genetic modalities to design, execute, and interpret experiments with a high degree of scientific independence and accountability.
• Establish and deploy disease‑relevant preclinical models to interrogate target biology and address complex mechanistic hypotheses.
• Contribute to small‑ and large‑molecule screening efforts across exploratory research and lead optimization programs, ensuring data quality and translational relevance.
• Collaborate with other functional groups within drug discovery to achieve shared goals.
• Flexibility to acquire additional competencies and skillsets as needed.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, specifically in conveying complex and technical information into a clear and understandable format to both internal and external audiences.

• Bachelor degree in molecular biology, stem cell biology, or a related discipline with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant industry experience, or Master’s in a related field with a minimum of (2) years of relevant industry experience, or a Ph.D. in a related field with at least three (3) years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated track record of developing, optimizing, and executing functional cellular assays to assess proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in biologically relevant model systems.
• Strong theoretical grounding combined with hands‑on expertise in assays utilizing primary stem cells; experience in hematopoietic stem cell biology or myeloid malignancies (MPN, MDS or AML) is strongly preferred.
• Proven technical proficiency in core molecular and cellular biology methodologies, including ELISA, MSD‑based assays, Western blotting, multicolor flow cytometry, and CRISPR/Cas9 gene‑editing platforms; experience with CRISPR‑based screening approaches is a plus.
• Experience leveraging advanced 3D tissue or organoid models, to recapitulate disease biology in physiologically relevant contexts.

Intermediate Level

This is a Contract position based out of Wilmington, DE.

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $43.27/hr.

• 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)

This is a fully onsite position in Wilmington, DE.

This position is anticipated to close on Jan 26, 2026.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccom (%20actalentaccom) for other accommodation options.