Senior Scientist — Organoid Model Development

Job description

Job description At Orakl Oncology, we are accelerating the development of oncology treatments. Today, fewer than 5% of new cancer drugs succeed in clinical trials. Clearly, new methods are needed. We combine cutting-edge biology and AI to build the next generation of insight platforms with the world's largest cohort of patient tumor avatars. These avatars fuel our AI-powered predictive engine, helping to anticipate clinical trial outcomes, validate therapies, and uncover new drug candidates. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to bring more effective treatments to patients who need them — and to make drug development smarter, faster, and more personalised. We collaborate with top hospitals, research institutes, and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Backed by leading investors, we are a fast-growing, mission-driven startup at the intersection of science and technology. We are looking for a passionate, hands-on Senior Scientist to expand Orakl's biobank to new indications. Working with significant autonomy and reporting to Gizem Altay, Principal Scientist, you will own the establishment of patient-derived organoids from fresh surgical specimens — starting with NSCLC and extending to additional tumour types — from tissue receipt and dissociation through to stable, well-characterised lines ready for downstream applications. You will develop and optimise robust culture protocols, ensure reproducibility across donors, and generate the high-quality biological models that power our AI predictive engine and our partnerships with hospitals and pharma. Preferred experience Must have PhD in cancer biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, or a related field, as well as 5+ years of hands-on experience, including industry or translational settings. Proven, hands-on experience establishing NSCLC patient-derived organoids from fresh surgical specimens — including tissue handling, dissociation, embedding, and long-term expansion. Strong track record in primary tumour culture, including troubleshooting low take-rates, and donor-to-donor variability and other optimization including: media formulation, matrix selection, passaging strategies, cryopreservation etc. Exceptional wet-lab fundamentals: sterile technique, routine culture, assay development, and QC. Prior experience in building scientific direction, ownership of QC/characterisation strategy, and deci…