Job Title:
Senior Scientist, Multiplex IF Oncology
Company: Kelly Services
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Created: 2026-04-15
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
**Senior Scientist - Neuro Oncology (Multiplex IF / Spatial Biology)** **Kelly® Science & Clinical** **Location:** Gaithersburg, MD (Onsite) **Pay Rate:** $70-75/hour **Assignment Type:** Contract (3 months, maternity leave coverage with potential extension) **Start Date:** ASAP Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a **Senior Scientist** to support **our client's Discovery Oncology team** in Gaithersburg, MD. This is a high-impact opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge **neuro-oncology research** , specifically advancing multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) panel development and biomarker validation. This role offers strong visibility and the chance to work alongside a Boston-based neuro-oncology team, with potential for longer-term extension based on performance and project needs. **Position Overview** As a Senior Scientist within the **Target Validation group** , you will play a key role in supporting early-stage oncology drug development by developing and optimizing **multiplex IF assays** and validating biomarkers in brain tumor samples. This is not a routine lab role-this position focuses on **scientific ownership, problem-solving, and assay development** within a specialized indication. **Key Responsibilities** + Develop and optimize **multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) assays** for neuro-oncology applications + Validate and evaluate up to **13 biomarkers** across brain tumor tissue samples + Perform **immunofluorescence (IF)** on FFPE tissues, including staining, optimization, and QC + Conduct **image analysis** using platforms such as Halo, QuPath, or ImageJ + Support **tissue processing, slide preparation** , and histological workflows + Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including a Boston-based neuro-oncology group + Present findings, provide updates, and contribute to scientific discussions + Troubleshoot assay challenges and drive data quality improvements **Required Qualifications** + Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline + **8+ years of research experience** in oncology, immunology, or related field + Hands-on experience with **immunofluorescence (IF) in FFPE tissues** + Strong proficiency with **image analysis tools** (e.g., Halo, Visiopharm, QuPath, ImageJ) + Experience developing, optimizing, and validating **IHC/IF assays** + Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment **Preferred Qualifications** + Experience in **neuro-oncology** or neural tissue biology + Background in **multiplex IF platforms** (e.g., Akoya/Phenoptics, CODEX, GeoMx, CosMx) + Experience with **slide preparation and histology workflows** + Familiarity with **biomarker development and spatial biology** + Industry experience in biotech or pharma **Why This Role?** + Work on a **high-priority neuro-oncology initiative** with real impact on drug development + Gain hands-on experience with **advanced multiplex and spatial biology technologies** + Collaborate with leading scientists in a **top-tier global biopharma company** + Opportunity for **contract extension** based on project needs and performance + Competitive compensation for a short-term, high-impact engagement **Apply today to join Kelly Science & Clinical and contribute to our client's mission to transform cancer treatment through innovative science.** **/#P1** As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community. Why Kelly ® Science & Clinical? Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it's the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed. About Kelly Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year. Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly's Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.