Research Scientist - Oncology Research

About Leona:

LeonaBio, Inc., headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for high unmet medical needs, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and treatment-resistant metastatic breast cancer, with the goal of improving patients’ lives. Our lead drug candidates, lasofoxifene and ATH-1105, are novel, small molecule therapies with the potential to address devastating diseases where current treatment options are limited or ineffective. With a strong commitment to scientific excellence and patient-centered innovation, we are dedicated to developing meaningful new therapies for those who need them most.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to support and execute hands-on oncology research within our preclinical research team.

This role will focus on designing and executing laboratory studies that advance our understanding of tumor biology and drug mechanisms of action. The successful candidate will significantly contribute to in vitro and ex vivo research efforts, support assay development and optimization, generate high-quality experimental data, and help translate findings into clear scientific insights that support oncology drug development programs.

The ideal candidate is a technically strong and scientifically curious bench scientist with experience in oncology, cancer biology, cell signaling, pharmacology, or related fields. This individual should be comfortable independently executing experiments, troubleshooting assays, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific discussions in a collaborative biotech environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute in vitro and ex vivo studies to support oncology research and drug development programs.
• Support the design, implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting of experiments and assays evaluating therapeutic activity across cancer models to ensure high-quality reproducible data generation.
• Perform cell-based, molecular, and biochemical assays, including cell viability assays, signaling and functional assays, Western blot, qPCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and sample preparation.
• Maintain and culture mammalian cell lines using strong aseptic technique and consistent laboratory practices; experience with cancer cell lines strongly preferred.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data using appropriate scientific software tools, while maintaining accurate and timely electronic lab notebook records.
• Generate and maintain SOPs for laboratory workflows, assay procedures, and data documentation to support reproducibility and consistent execution across studies

• Conduct deep-dive literature reviews on assigned oncology research topics and present concise summaries of key findings to the research team
• Communicate experimental progress, technical issues, and data summaries to project team members.
• Support laboratory operations and collaboration, including reagent management, sample tracking, equipment maintenance, and general lab readiness.

Qualifications

Required

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related field with 2+ years of industry experience; or M.S. with significant relevant industry experience
• Relevant hands-on laboratory experience in oncology research, cancer biology, or related field
• Strong hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture required; experience with cancer cell lines strongly preferred
• Proven ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments
• Working knowledge of tumor biology, cell signaling pathways, and mechanisms of drug response
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced research environment
• Excellent communication skills with documented ability to effectively communicate to a broad range of audiences

Preferred

• Experience supporting small-molecule drug discovery or preclinical drug development programs.
• Experience in breast cancer research, immune-oncology, or tumor microenvironment biology.
• Familiarity with co-culture systems, immune assays, or cytokine profiling
• Experience studying mechanisms of resistance and interrogating cell signaling pathways
• Experience coordinating with external vendors, collaborators, or CROs.

Placement in salary range is dependent upon experience, market rate and internal equity considerations.   

LeonaBio is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline and termination.