Orion Pharma's Oncology Research is recruiting a highly motivated and skilled Head of Antibody‑Drug Conjugates (ADC) with strong experience in preclinical cancer research and proven leadership capabilities. The ideal candidate excels in cell and molecular biology and uses multi-omics data to inform scientific decisions.
In this role, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists to advance the discovery of novel cancer targets and drive the development of first‑ and best‑in‑class ADCs from concept through to clinical candidate selection. This position offers a unique chance to leverage your cancer biology expertise and make a meaningful impact on developing therapies that could transform patients' lives. You will also have a great opportunity to affect our overall Oncology strategy.
The position is based in Turku, Finland, reporting to the VP, Oncology Research, Oncology TA. This is a full‑time, permanent, on‑site role. Orion Pharma will support relocation to Finland.
Your key responsibilities
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Lead and execute the ADC discovery strategy from target concept through candidate selection and IND-enabling studies, ensuring scientific rigor, portfolio fit and clear value inflection.
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Together with the ADC Target Discovery team (reporting to the Head of ADC), ensure the effective integration of data-driven strategies for ADC target identification, evaluation, and wet-lab validation using multi‑omics and high‑content approaches.
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Design, implement and oversee the execution of in vitro functional assays such as efficacy, bystander and mechanism-of-action studies using flow cytometry, high-content and live-cell imaging assays.
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Provide cancer biology expert guidance and leadership to the organization. Provide critical scientific and technical data analysis, interpretation of experiments and report writing.
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Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, biologists, and clinical researchers globally (incl. Orion's R&D Biologics Centre, Cambridge, UK) to answer scientific questions and drive projects forward.
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Build and maintain external collaborations that strengthen and differentiate the ADC portfolio.
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Work across the organization to align strategy and ensure timely advancement of innovative ADC programs.
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Ensure scientific quality, compliance and data integrity and contribute to documentation and materials needed for governance reviews and regulatory interactions.
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Participate in data analysis of experimental results and report work progress in the organizational meetings.
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Inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of scientists. Foster an environment of growth, collaboration, and innovation, supporting professional development and championing Orion's values.
What we offer
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Opportunity to work with talented and experienced scientists and assistants across Orion's Global R&D.
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An exciting and growing R&D pipeline and an enthusiastic international working environment with opportunities to use your strengths to build your competence and career.
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An exciting opportunity to innovate and impact future therapies for patients.
At Orion, 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 improve 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:
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PhD or equivalent degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field with 6+ years of postdoctoral or, preferably, industry experience.
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Proven leadership experience, including the ability to guide scientific direction, supervise and mentor researchers, build high performing teams, and foster a collaborative and accountable working culture.
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Experience in setting priorities, managing workloads, and supporting professional development is highly valued.
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Strong background in cell and molecular biology and/or biochemistry, within the context of cancer biology.
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Ability to understand, use and interpret omics data (such as transcriptomics, proteomics, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics), and to utilise basic analytical approaches.
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Expertise in a wide range of cell and molecular based methodologies, such as multichannel/multicolor flow cytometry, fluorescent/live-cell microscopy, cytotoxicity assays, fluorescent labelling, qPCR, western blotting, and ELISA.
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Strong motivation to evaluate and adopt new technologies that enhance laboratory productivity and scientific quality.
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Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively across scientific and cross-functional teams.
How to apply and additional information
Please send your application with the latest CV, cover letter, and salary request in English by March 23.
Please note that we will start reviewing applications during the application period.
For additional details, do not hesitate to contact Anu Moilanen, VP Oncology Research +358 50 966 7827.
#LI-ORION
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'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 Cambridge, MA, 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.
The Antibody-Drug Conjugates Team is one of three scientific units in Oncology Research, a part of Orion's RnD Organization. The team is focused on discovering therapeutic targets and actively developing ADCs by utilizing a broad panel of biophysical, biochemical, cellular, and in vivo methods. We aim to develop cutting-edge ADC therapies that can transform cancer patients' lives.
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.
About Orion
