Senior Scientist - Translational Biology (Patient-Derived Models)

Senior Scientist - Translational Biology (Patient-Derived Models)

Selvita

Kraków, Poland

We are seeking an experienced Senior Scientist with deep expertise in patient-derived tumor models to take scientific ownership of our translational platform with a priority focus on colorectal (CRC) and pancreatic (PDAC) cancer. The role combines strategic scientific leadership, hands-on experimental work, and cross-functional coordination across pathology logistics, primary/3D cultures, high-content phenotyping, AI/ML-assisted analytics, and in vivo interface - delivering data packages against grant milestones.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the platform execution: Plan, prioritize, and deliver translational workstreams in line with program/grant objectives, timelines, and risk/quality controls;
• Collaborate with junior scientists during the execution of the grant;
• Primary tissue & model establishment: Coordinate workflows related to the research use of patient-derived tissues; evaluate and process tissue samples, and establish primary cell culture models in both 2D and 3D (spheroid) systems, including optimization of culture conditions for cell growth and differentiation;
• Assay design & validation: Develop and validate potency/phenotypic assays (IC50/EC50, viability/apoptosis, clonogenicity, imaging/HCS), define acceptance criteria (e.g., Z′, S/B, CV), and drive continuous improvement and troubleshooting;
• QC & authentication: Implement rigorous mycoplasma/sterility testing, STR identity, passage limits, banking strategies, growth tracking, and robust documentation (ELN/LIMS) in line with grant and CRO standards;
• Data integrity & decision-making: Lead data review and interpretation; integrate AI/ML-derived insights with wet-lab findings; prepare decision memos and stage-gate recommendations;
• Cross-functional coordination: Partner with pathology, HTS/HCS, in vitro pharmacology, in vivo pharmacology, computational biology/AI, and project management to ensure seamless hand-offs and on-time delivery;
• Reporting & communication: Produce high-quality reports and presentations; ensure compliance with grant requirements; contribute to publication planning and future funding extensions;
• Mentor junior scientists; instill best practices in experimental design, statistics, and documentation.

Your Background

• PhD in molecular/cell biology, oncology, biotechnology or related field and 2+ years postdoc/industry experience preferred; or MSc with strong, relevant track record;
• Proven hands-on expertise in primary human tumor models (preferably CRC/PDAC): intake logistics, tissue dissociation, 2D/3D culture establishment, media/ECM selection (e.g., BME/Matrigel; Wnt/R-spondin/Noggin-based systems), scaling and stabilization;
• Demonstrated assay development/validation proficiency: IC50/EC50 analysis, design of controls, plate/randomization strategies, and acceptance metrics (Z′, S/B, CV);
• Strong QC/authentication practice: mycoplasma/sterility, STR, passage policy/banking; disciplined ELN/LIMS use;
• Fluent in data analysis and statistics (e.g., 4PL/5PL fitting in GraphPad Prism; outlier/replicate handling); capable of converting data into clear narratives;
• Experience coordinating cross-disciplinary projects and mentoring scientists; excellent planning, communication, and management skills;
• Nice to have: HCS/advanced imaging analytics; immune/tumor co-cultures; flow cytometry panels; collaboration with AI/ML teams.