Senior Scientist, In Vitro Toxicology

We are looking for an experienced and collaborative Senior Scientist to join the ADMET-MetID team within Orion Pharma R&D in Turku. In this role, you will provide scientific leadership in early toxicology and support the development of human-relevant safety assessment activities.

Your role

As a Senior Scientist, you will:

• Act as a senior scientific expert within the ADMET-MetID team, contributing to the development of scientific capabilities and future in vitro toxicology.
• Lead the establishment, optimization, and implementation of innovative in vitro toxicology screening methods and laboratory automation solutions to support drug discovery and development projects.
• Provide scientific expertise in toxicology and safety assessment, ensuring high-quality data generation, interpretation, and communication to project teams and stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement of toxicology assays, workflows, technologies, and scientific practices to enhance efficiency and data quality.
• Contribute to planning and coordination of in vitro and in silico safety assessments, helping to ensure effective prioritization and delivery of project work.
• Coach and collaborate with scientists and research associates to foster knowledge sharing, scientific growth, and teamwork across Orion R&D and external partners
• Maintain expertise in human-relevant technologies and methodologies.
• Contribute to scientific problem solving and strategic decision making within multidisciplinary drug discovery and development programs.
• Depending on your experience and interests, take on additional responsibilities related to scientific leadership and/or team leadership, including contributing to team development, coordination, and resourcing.

This is a permanent, full-time, on-site position based in Turku, Finland. In this role, you will report to Head of ADMET & MetID.

What we offer

At Orion Pharma, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of future therapies that improve patients' lives. We offer meaningful and challenging work within an innovative R&D environment, together with excellent opportunities for professional growth and career development.

Our culture is based on collaboration, continuous improvement, and appreciation of our people. Orion R&D offers an informal and supportive working environment where we enjoy working and succeeding together.

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/.

What we are looking for

To succeed in this role, you have:

• PhD in Toxicology, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field, with several years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industry. 
• Strong expertise in in vitro toxicology and cell-based assays, including hands-on experience with primary cell models and the development, optimization, and implementation of innovative experimental approaches. 
• Practical experience with advanced laboratory technologies, such as flow cytometry, high-content imaging, and luminescence- and fluorescence-based assays. 
• Solid understanding of experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of complex biological datasets, with the ability to translate scientific findings into project decisions. 
• Proven track record in scientific leadership, method development, technology implementation, or capability building. 
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across functions, organizational levels, and external partner networks. 
• Strategic, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset, combined with a passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and scientific excellence. 
   

Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered a strong advantage:

• Laboratory automation and digital technologies supporting modern toxicology research.
• Genotoxicity assessment and genotoxicity testing methodologies.
• Omics technologies (e.g., transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and/or computational modelling approaches.
• Nonclinical safety assessment and regulatory toxicology.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; Finnish language skills are considered an advantage.

How to apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your application by September 28, 2026. We may begin interviewing candidates during the application period. We kindly ask recruitment agencies and headhunters not to contact us regarding this vacancy.

For further information about the position, please contact: Satu-Maarit Heinonen, Head of ADMET-MetID, Tel. +358 50 966 2060. Contact times: September 14th and September 21st, between 14:00-15:00 EEST.

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.

#LI-ORION

Your new team

Orion’s pharmaceutical innovations are created within its R&D organization. We employ over 400 top professionals in the field of drug discovery and development. We work globally: in Espoo and Turku in Finland, in Nottingham and Cambridge in the UK, 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 ADMET-MetID unit is part of Integrated DMPK and Safety within Orion R&D. We are responsible for early ADME and early safety assessment of new drug candidates. Our team provides in vitro ADME and toxicology services and scientific expertise throughout the drug discovery and development process, supporting Orion's key therapeutic areas, Oncology and Pain. You will join a multidisciplinary team of experienced scientists and research associates located in both Espoo and Turku.