Senior Research Scientist- Investigative Pathology

Role Overview

The specialist will be responsible for performing immunohistochemistry (IHC) and analysis on human solid tumor samples, as well as mouse and non-human primate tissues from toxicology studies.

OVERALL, JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify, validate, and perform single-target and high-throughput multiplex Immunohistochemistry/ Immunofluorescence on human, mouse, and monkey tissue samples.
• Process or analyse large, multichannel images and quantify cell population, analyse spatial data (Binary, subcellular localization, area-based and staining intensity quantification etc), and leverage digital image analysis to move beyond subjective, semi-quantitative scoring (e.g., H-score) to objective and quantitative data. Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning algorithms whenever essential.
• Assess the high degree of heterogeneity within and between individual human tumours by mapping the spatial relationships and interactions between tumor cells, immune cells, and stromal components.
• Design and build internal digital pathology capabilities and support data generation for translational pathology evaluations across the large molecule oncology portfolio.
• Communicate with portfolio leaders in Research/Discovery and Clinical Development to ensure effective integration of translational pathology strategy
• Maintenance of equipments of the pathology laboratory and documentation of all results
• Collaborate with contract research organizations (CROs), key opinion leaders, hospitals, and oncologists across India and abroad
• Ensure compliance with company SOPs for sample handling and documentation.
• Contribute to experimental design and provide technical expertise in histology and IHC.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Education

• Masters or PhD in Pathology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.

Experience

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in histology and immunohistochemistry.
• Deep knowledge in pathology-based and other biomarker technologies, including immunohistochemistry (monoplex and multiplex), digital and computational pathology, spatial analysis, etc.
• Extensive experience in the discovery, characterization and utilization of innovative translational strategies
• Experience with animal tissue (mouse and monkey) and human samples.
• Familiarity with oncology research and solid tumor biology preferred.

Knowledge and Skills (Functional / Technical)

• Proficiency in tissue preparation, staining techniques, and microscopy.
• Proficiency in developing, optimizing, and validating multiplex staining protocols and antibody panels
• Robust understanding on immune cells and immunopathology
• Core knowledge of antigen-antibody reactions, tissue fixation (e.g., formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded), antigen retrieval methods, and potential pitfalls in standard IHC procedures is a prerequisite
• Knowledge of image analysis software (e.g., HALO, Q-Path etc) for quantification.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a regulated environment.