Principal Assay Scientist

About Akoya Biosciences:

As The Spatial Biology Company®, Akoya Biosciences’ mission is to bring context to the world of biology and human health through the power of spatial phenotyping. The company offers comprehensive single-cell imaging solutions that allow researchers to phenotype cells with spatial context and visualize how they organize and interact to influence disease progression and treatment response. Akoya offers the PhenoCycler® and PhenoImager® platforms to serve the diverse needs of researchers across discovery, translational and clinical research.

Position Summary:

We are seeking for a highly motivated Scientist to join the Akoya Reagents Research and Development (R&D) group located in Marlborough, MA. As a Principal Assay Scientist, you will work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment and be responsible for recommending, developing, validating, and troubleshooting developing multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry (IHC) Assay and Reagents products for use in cutting-edge research. You will be a key contributor in a multi-disciplinary team executing scientific research and product development, who must be able to work independently and take initiative in planning, conducting, and reporting on the studies that you are responsible for.

Your work will be focused on developing assays, novel technologies, and new reagents to grow Akoya’s set of commercial products, with the opportunity to interact with internal software engineers and imaging scientists as well as external partners in academia and industry.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and execute high-plex (10+) disease-relevant immunofluorescence (IF) multiplex assays for sale as commercial kits
• Review and optimize performance of medium-to-high plex, high-throughput IF multiplex assays using automated stainer
• Optimize antibody and reporter screening workflows using automation and quantitative data analysis methods
• Lead from the bench by training and mentoring Associate scientists while also performing your own experiments in order to facilitate rapid progress toward project goals
• Analyze development method data to identify critical technical issues of Reagents & Workflow and develop solutions for improvements
• Present study results at internal meetings and conferences
• Collaborate with team members and other project staff to accomplish specific tasks and team objectives within project timelines. Provide timely feedback when dates for individual items cannot be met.
• Follow company quality policy and safety practices, including training, lab safety, record keeping and ISO or GLP as appropriate
• Other duties as assigned

Skills & Requirements:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• PhD or Master in Life Sciences or a related field.
• Expertise in developing immune-assay development (minimum 10-12 years in core lab, research team, or similar)
• Experience with high-plex fluorescent multiplex assay (4 markers or more) is preferred
• Broad lab experience etc.
• Proficient developing assays using manual and automated techniques (auto-stainers)
• Additional experience with fluorescence microscopy and understanding of protein chemistry is a plus
• A thorough understanding of experimental design scientific principles, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a fast-paced team environment, working on multiple projects with evolving priorities and deadlines
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
• Highly organized with attention to details and excellent information management, time management, and organization skills

The hiring range for this position is $154,200 to $203,500 per year, which may factor in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. Our full-time regular positions also include an annual performance-based bonus (or a sales incentive plan) and long-term incentive units (equity) provided as part of our compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Akoya’s excellent benefits program includes a selection of Medical and Dental plans, and Life, AD&D and Short-Term Disability insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 401(k) with immediate Company match vesting, Company paid holidays and more!

Akoya values bringing together individuals with diverse backgrounds. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.