Senior Scientist, Target Discovery, ADC

About the 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. 

We are looking for a motivated and skilled Senior Scientist to join Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Target Discovery Team. The ideal candidate has strong experience in preclinical cancer research and a solid background in cell and molecular cancer biology, with exposure to bioinformatics.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute strategies for identifying novel ADC targets using data-driven and lab-based approaches.
• Run ADC targets validation
• Conduct and/or coordinate experiments to assess ADC potency and safety.
• Provide expert guidance in cancer biology to project teams.
• Collaborate with internal teams (bioinformatics, chemistry, biology, pharmacology, clinical) to solve scientific challenges.
• Propose and manage research activities with strategic partners, CROs, and academic collaborators.
• Maintain detailed lab records and documentation.
• Analyse experimental data and present findings in meetings.

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to discover and validate novel cancer targets and help develop first- or best-in-class ADCs from concept to clinical candidate. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer therapies that can make a real difference for patients.

You will be located in Turku, Finland, and will report to the ADC 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  

Essential competences, education and way of working : 

• MS, or PhD in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry or closely related field with typically 10+ (MS) or 4+ (PhD) years of postdoc or industry related experience.
• Strong understanding and experience of cancer biology, cell and molecular biology, and biochemistry.
• Practical experience with bioinformatics and omics data (transcriptomics, proteomics, spatial data) and analysis (e.g. online tools, R or Python).
• Hands-on experience with lab techniques: cell surface proteins labelling and analysis, flow cytometry, microscopy, cytotoxicity assays, qPCR, western blotting, and ELISA.
• Experience with 2D and 3D cell culture models.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead research activities.
• Strong interest in adopting new technologies and methods.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

How to apply and additional information  

Please send your Application with the latest CV, cover letter, and salary request in English by 26th of November 2025. Please note that we will start reviewing applications during the application period.

For additional details, do not hesitate to contact Antti Arjonen, ADC Target Discovery Lead, +358 40 721 9109 on any of the following times (Finnish Time): 5th Nov between 9am-4pm and 6th Nov between 9am-1pm (EET).

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. 

Target Discovery Team is part of the Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC) Research Group, one of three scientific units within Oncology Research, a division of Orion’s R&D Organization. Our team is dedicated to the discovery and validation of therapeutic ADC targets, leveraging omics technologies alongside a broad array of biophysical, biochemical, molecular, cellular, and in vivo methods. We strive to develop cutting-edge ADC therapies with the potential to transform the lives of cancer patients.

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.