Research Scientist

Overview

Job Title:

Research Scientist. This is a contract position focused on conducting in-vitro studies for cancer drug discovery programs. The role involves developing pre-clinical model systems to identify and validate novel therapeutic targets. The successful candidate will work with minimal supervision, utilizing molecular and cellular biology techniques while demonstrating an understanding of cancer biology. Experience with oncogenic signaling pathways and targeted therapies is advantageous.

The candidate will collaborate with a supervisor to execute a research plan addressing critical questions about compounds and targets under evaluation.

• 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.
• Demonstrate flexibility in acquiring additional competencies and skillsets as needed.
• Execute cell-based in vitro experiments to explore the therapeutic potential of small molecules or antibodies.
• Culture cell lines and primary cells.
• Communicate complex and technical information clearly and understandably to both internal and external audiences.

• Proficiency in molecular biology and cell biology techniques.
• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, stem cell biology, or a related discipline with a minimum of five years of relevant industry experience, or a Master’s degree in a related field with at least two years of relevant industry experience, or a Ph.D. with 0-2 years of experience in industry or academia.
• Hands-on experience with western blots, PCR, cell culture, and flow cytometry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• 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.

The position requires onsite work from Monday to Friday. The company offers two weeks of paid time off and ten holidays annually, with potential for additional time off due to company shutdown between Christmas and New Year s.

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

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $38.46/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,DE.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 4, 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 for other accommodation options.