Senior Translational Scientist

The Senior Translational Scientist will manage and conduct advanced preclinical studies, playing a key role in the development of innovative therapeutics. They will design, organise and execute in vitro, ex-vivo, and in vivo assays, including target expression analysis, cytotoxic assays, radioligand-binding assays, and biodistribution, toxicity and efficacy studies in animal models. The Senior Translational Scientist will also be responsible for training and mentoring researchers, leading cross-functional collaborations, and play a prominent role in project management. The ideal candidate will possess strong in vitro and in vivo technical skills, experience in preclinical imaging and data analysis expertise, contributing to project success through accurate reporting and communication with internal teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan and execute high-quality in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo preclinical studies to support the development of targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies.
• Lead the design, optimisation and execution of preclinical assays, including target validation, efficacy, biodistribution, pharmacology and toxicity studies.
• Analyse, interpret and present experimental data, preparing high-quality technical reports, presentations and scientific documentation to support project decisions.
• Prepare and contribute to non-clinical documentation for regulatory submissions, investigator brochures, publications, patents and scientific presentations.
• Lead and coordinate preclinical research projects, ensuring studies are delivered on time, to budget and in accordance with project objectives.
• Mentor, train and provide technical guidance to scientists, research assistants and students, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Collaborate closely with Discovery, Isotope Development, Manufacturing, Clinical Development and external research partners to progress translational research programs.
• Ensure all research activities are conducted in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), animal ethics requirements, radiation safety regulations and company quality systems.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance experimental design, laboratory practices, data quality and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate scientific records and contribute to maintaining laboratory equipment, facilities and resources to support efficient research operations.

Experience, Education & Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or another relevant life sciences discipline.
• Demonstrated experience designing and leading preclinical oncology research programs within academia, biotechnology or the pharmaceutical industry.
• Extensive hands-on experience conducting in vitro and in vivo studies, including murine tumour models and associated animal procedures.
• Strong knowledge of molecular and cellular biology techniques relevant to translational cancer research (e.g. flow cytometry, qPCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and tissue culture).
• Experience analysing complex scientific data using appropriate statistical methods and communicating findings through reports, presentations and publications.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple research projects, prioritising competing activities and delivering outcomes to agreed timelines.
• Experience supervising, mentoring and developing junior scientists or research staff.
• Strong understanding of regulatory expectations, including GLP, animal ethics, scientific documentation and non-clinical data supporting drug development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary scientific teams.
• A proactive, collaborative and scientifically curious approach, with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to scientific excellence, quality and continuous improvement.
• Experience within a biotechnology, pharmaceutical or radiopharmaceutical environment, including exposure to preclinical imaging technologies, regulatory submissions (e.g. IND/CTA), targeted radionuclide therapies, scientific publications, patents or grant applications, and possession of (or eligibility to obtain) a Queensland Radiation Use Licence, will be highly regarded.