At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead biomarker operations in clinical studies and ensure high-quality execution.
- Company: Join Ipsen, a global biopharmaceutical leader focused on transformative medicines.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by supporting innovative biomarker strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in biomarker activities and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
About Ipsen: Ipsen is a mid-sized global biopharmaceutical company with a focus on transformative medicines in three therapeutic areas: Oncology, Rare Disease and Neuroscience. Supported by nearly 100 years of development experience, with global hubs in the U.S., France and the U.K, we tackle areas of high unmet medical need through research and innovation. Our passionate teams in more than 40 countries are focused on what matters and endeavour every day to bring medicines to patients in 88 countries. We build a workplace that champions human-centric leadership and fosters a culture of collaboration, excellence and impact. At Ipsen, every individual is empowered to be their true selves, grow and thrive alongside the company’s success. Join us on our journey towards sustainable growth, creating real impact on patients and society!
Job Description:
WHAT - Summary & Purpose of the Position
To provide operational leadership and tissue biomarker expertise to support the successful execution of biomarker activities across Oncology and Rare Disease clinical development programs. The role is responsible for coordinating biomarker operational activities throughout the study lifecycle, including biospecimen management, assay implementation, vendor oversight, documentation, quality, and inspection readiness, while serving as a subject matter expert for immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based biomarker strategies and assays.
Working closely with Clinical Biomarker Leads, Clinical Operations, external laboratories, and study teams, this individual ensures the efficient delivery of biomarker objectives through robust operational processes, effective stakeholder management, and high-quality execution. The role contributes to the continuous improvement, standardization, and scalability of biomarker operations and tissue biomarker practices across the portfolio.
WHAT - Main Responsibilities & Technical Competencies
- Biomarker Operations Leadership
- Lead biomarker operational activities across assigned clinical studies from study start-up through study close-out.
- Serve as the biomarker operations representative on cross-functional study teams.
- Develop and maintain biomarker operational documents, including laboratory manuals, sample management plans and study-specific procedures.
- Ensure high-quality execution of biospecimen management activities, including sample tracking, reconciliation, biobanking and sample disposition.
- Maintain inspection readiness through appropriate documentation, eTMF management and compliance with applicable procedures and quality standards.
- Vendor Management and Study Delivery
- Lead operational oversight of biomarker vendors and testing laboratories.
- Coordinate biomarker activities and deliverables across internal and external stakeholders.
- Monitor timelines, risks, issues and quality metrics, escalating where appropriate.
- Review operational and laboratory deliverables to ensure timely and compliant execution.
- Tissue Biomarker Support
- Act as the study team's tissue biomarker and IHC subject matter expert.
- Support implementation of tissue-based biomarker assays across clinical studies.
- Provide guidance on tissue collection, handling, testing workflows and operational feasibility.
- Collaborate with Biomarker Leads, Pathologists and external laboratories to ensure successful assay deployment.
- Continuous Improvement
- Contribute to the development and implementation of biomarker operational processes, tools, templates and best practices.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and consistency across biomarker operations.
- Support knowledge sharing and operational excellence across the Clinical Biomarkers function.
Level of Responsibility
Operates with a high degree of independence in managing biomarker operational activities across assigned studies. Accountable for delivery of biomarker operational plans, sample management activities and vendor coordination. Works in partnership with Clinical Biomarker Leads, who retain responsibility for overall biomarker strategy and scientific direction. Independently resolves operational challenges and escalates strategic, scientific or portfolio-level decisions as appropriate.
HOW - Behavioural Competencies Required
- Ensures Accountability
- Takes ownership for delivery of biomarker operational activities, vendor oversight, sample management processes, and study milestones. Consistently delivers high-quality outcomes while managing competing priorities and timelines.
- Builds productive partnerships across Clinical Biomarkers, Clinical Operations, Data Management, external laboratories, CROs, and study teams to ensure successful execution of biomarker activities.
- Communicates Effectively
- Clearly communicates operational risks, issues, requirements, and solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Ensures alignment across internal and external partners.
- Manages Complexity
- Navigates multiple studies, vendors, assay platforms, and operational processes simultaneously. Uses sound judgement to resolve issues and drive efficient study execution in a complex clinical development environment.
- Drives Results / Continuous Improvement
- Identifies opportunities to improve biomarker operational processes, standardize workflows, and enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability across the biomarker function.
HOW - Knowledge & Experience
Knowledge & Experience (essential):
- Experience supporting biomarker activities within clinical development programs, including responsibility for operational delivery across one or more clinical studies.
- Demonstrated experience managing biomarker vendors, testing laboratories, or external service providers to deliver high-quality study outcomes.
- Experience coordinating biospecimen management activities throughout the clinical trial lifecycle, including sample logistics, tracking, reconciliation, biobanking, and documentation.
- Working knowledge of biomarker assays and laboratory operations in a regulated clinical development environment.
- Experience developing and maintaining study documentation, such as laboratory manuals, sample management plans, assay documentation, or operational procedures.
- Strong understanding of GxP principles, quality requirements, inspection readiness, and clinical trial processes.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders while independently resolving operational challenges.
- Experience collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary and global teams.
- Knowledge of tissue biomarker workflows and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay implementation in clinical development settings.
- Experience contributing to process improvement, standardization, or operational excellence initiatives.
Knowledge & Experience (preferred):
- Experience supporting oncology clinical development programs.
- Experience with tissue-based biomarkers, digital pathology, or translational biomarker technologies.
- Experience with assay validation, assay transfer, and external laboratory oversight.
- Familiarity with rare disease clinical development.
- Experience supporting global, multicenter clinical studies.
- Experience with biomarker data review and interpretation in partnership with scientific and clinical teams.
- Experience contributing to biomarker operational strategy, capability building, or implementation of new technologies.
Education / Certifications (essential):
- Bachelor's, Master's, or equivalent degree in Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Immunology, Pathology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
Education / Certifications (preferred):
- Advanced degree (MSc, PharmD, or PhD) in a relevant scientific discipline.
Language(s) (essential):
- Fluent English, both written and verbal.
Language(s) (preferred):
- Fluent in French, both written and verbal.
Summary Location: Paris; London Type: Full time
Senior Scientist, Biomarker Operations in London employer: Ipsen
Ipsen in Wrexham is an excellent employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises innovation and excellence. Employees benefit from a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth, all while working in a state-of-the-art packing facility that operates on a convenient Monday to Friday schedule. Join us to be part of a team that values your expertise and contributions in mechanical engineering and vision systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist, Biomarker Operations in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist, Biomarker Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Ipsen that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Ipsen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Ipsen does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ipsen
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Ipsen. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Ipsen's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Ipsen. This shows your passion for the industry!
