Sr. 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 Senior Scientist to lead and execute laboratory research supporting oncology drug development programs. 

This role will focus on advancing our understanding of tumor biology and drug mechanisms of action, with an emphasis on generating data that informs translational and clinical development. 

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in oncology research and has experience or interest in immuno-oncology and tumor microenvironment biology, as well as a strong foundation in mechanisms of resistance and cell signaling pathways.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Design and lead in vitro and ex vivo studies to evaluate therapeutic activity across cancer models 
  
• Investigate drug mechanisms of action, resistance biology, and pathway modulation  
• Generate hypotheses that support translational strategy and clinical development 
  
• Independently plan, execute, and troubleshoot experiments, including cell-based assays (viability, signaling, functional assays), molecular biology techniques (Western blot, qPCR, ELISA, etc.), and immune-relevant assay systems
  
• Develop and optimize assays to support program needs, ensuring high-quality, reproducible data generation 
  
• Analyze complex datasets and generate clear, actionable insights  
  
• Contribute to internal reports, presentations, publications, and patent filings
  
• Support integration of preclinical findings into development strategy, and contribute to program direction through data-driven insights 
  

Qualifications 

Required 

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pharmacology, or related field  

• 5+ years of industry experience in oncology research 
  
• Strong background in solid tumor biology 
  
• Proven ability to independently design, execute, and interpret experiments
  

• Extensive technical expertise including hands-on experience with cell and molecular biology techniques 

• Experience in project management with strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced research environment  

Preferred 

• Experience in breast cancer research 

• Experience in 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 supporting drug development programs at all stages, from discovery through translational and clinical-stage programs 

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.