Research Scientist, Target Discovery, Immuno-Oncology

About your role

Orion Pharma is making strategic investments in challenging R&D areas where our expertise can drive breakthroughs—particularly in cancer therapies. As part of this commitment, we are enhancing our oncology research capabilities by establishing dedicated Target Discovery teams within each of our oncology research units: Immuno-Oncology, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Cancer Genomics.

At Orion’s Immuno-Oncology (IO) unit, we are translating world-class science into novel life-changing immuno therapies to tackle one of the world’s toughest clinical unmet needs. In the pursuit of making innovative immuno therapies and to expediate our drug discovery efforts we have created a brand-new IO target discovery team within our IO unit. 

This position, Research Scientist within IO target discovery team, is a dedicated laboratory-based position supporting the needed wet lab. experiments and data generation in close collaboration with other members of IO team. As a Research Scientist, your primary responsibilities include performing cellular assays, data analysis and presenting the data in internal meetings. 

Your key responsibilities

The responsibilities of this role include the following (including, but not limited to);

• Design and perform in vitro/ex vivo immune cell assays and treatment with oncology drugs in conjunction with internal target discovery and validation teams.
• Establish and validate human in vitro and ex vivo primary immune cells assays to define the mechanism of action of novel IO targets.
• Co-ordinate with the line-manager to ensure timely delivery of data and report if any issues encountered or foreseen.
• Where needed oversee CRO and external partnered studies.
• Develop and implement novel primary immune cells assay to improve the target confidence while balancing expectations.
• Provide clear reports and presentations as required and participate in team meetings and organisation meetings.
• Working in close collaboration with other scientists and technicians.

You will be working in Turku, Finland, and will report to IO Target Discovery lead. This is a full-time, permanent, and on-site position. Orion Pharma will support relocation to Finland.  

What we offer

• A chance to work with experienced scientists across Orion’s R&D.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment with opportunities for growth.
• The opportunity to contribute to innovative therapies that improve patients’ lives.

At Orion Pharma, your work creates true impact and well-being for our customers, patients and society at large.  Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support the development of innovative solutions and improving the quality of life.

Please visit our website to find further information about our values and Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/.

Our expectations

To be a successful, ideally you should have the following educational and professional work experiences:

• PhD degree in immunology, immuno oncology or related field with 3+ years of industry or academic research experience.
• Broad and deep knowledge in immuno oncology, cancer immunotherapy, immune cell signalling as evidenced by scientific publication or poster presentation is a must.
• Previous experience in identifying and validating novel IO targets is a plus.
• Strong in vitro and ex vivo research experience using primary immune cells from cancer patient samples is a must.
• Demonstrate ability to independently design, conduct and interpret the data from complex immune cell assays.
• Demonstrate proficiency in isolation of immune cells and processing samples for multi-colour flow cytometry, multiplex ELISA, IHC, single cell RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis.
• Competency in using graph pad prism, flowjo, nSolver software and other standard office software.
• Excellent attention to details with strong communication skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new techniques and take additional responsibilities as a member of the research team.
  

How to apply and additional information

Please send your Application with your CV, cover letter and salary request in English by November 26th, 2025. 

For additional details, do not hesitate to contact Reetta Virtakoivu, Target Discovery Lead, Immuno-Oncology, via email Reetta.Virtakoivu@orionpharma.com.

We typically review applications already during the application period and may start interviewing candidates before the application deadline. Therefore, we invite you to send your application as soon as possible.

Approved medical examination which also includes drug testing is required prior to the employment. We will also carry out a security clearance prior to the employment for the selected person.

Unit description 

Orion Pharma’s pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ around 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Cambridge and Nottingham in England and in New York, NY, USA. Orion R&D and the Innovative Medicines business division are dedicated to making a transformation to become a global player in the pain and oncology therapy areas. 

About Us

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.

We’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we’re proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.