1

Contract Translational Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Translational Scientist information

See salary details

$37.5K

$122.7K

$196.5K

How much do contract translational scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract translational scientist in the United States is $122,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract translational scientist?

A Contract Translational Scientist is a professional hired on a temporary or project basis to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical application in the biomedical field. They collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to translate scientific discoveries into practical medical treatments, diagnostics, or therapies. Their work often includes designing and conducting preclinical studies, analyzing data, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Contract roles allow organizations to access specialized expertise for specific projects without long-term commitments. This position is vital for advancing medical innovations from the lab to patient care.

What are some common challenges faced by contract translational scientists when working with cross-functional teams?

Contract Translational Scientists often collaborate with diverse teams, including clinicians, biostatisticians, and laboratory researchers. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as each group may use different terminology and have unique priorities. Additionally, managing timelines and aligning project goals can be complex, especially when working on multiple studies simultaneously. Proactively seeking feedback, clarifying expectations, and maintaining organized records can help streamline these interdisciplinary collaborations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract translational scientist?

To thrive as a Contract Translational Scientist, you need a strong background in biomedical sciences, experience in preclinical and clinical research, and often a relevant advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, or MD). Familiarity with data analysis tools (like R or Python), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and regulatory compliance certifications are typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure effective translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications, meeting project goals and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Contract Translational Scientist vs Contract Research Scientist?

AspectContract Translational ScientistContract Research Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a PhD or Master's in life sciencesUsually holds a Bachelor's or Master's in relevant fields
Work EnvironmentFocuses on bridging laboratory research to clinical applications, often in biotech or pharmaConducts laboratory experiments and data collection in research labs
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by biotech, pharmaceutical, and clinical research organizationsFound in research institutions, biotech, and pharma companies

The Contract Translational Scientist primarily focuses on translating research findings into clinical applications, requiring advanced degrees and experience in translational research. In contrast, the Contract Research Scientist typically conducts laboratory experiments and data analysis, often with a Bachelor's or Master's degree. Both roles are vital in the biotech and pharma industries but differ in their focus and level of expertise.

What cities are hiring for Contract Translational Scientist jobs? Cities with the most Contract Translational Scientist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Translational Scientist jobs? The most popular types of Translational Scientist jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Translational Scientist jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Translational Scientist jobs include:

Director, Translational Science Lead

GlaxoSmithKline

Upper Providence, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


GlaxoSmithKline rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Director, Translational Science Lead

Renal, Inflammation and Fibrosis and Neurodegeneration

Translational Sciences (TS), within Respiratory, Immunology and Inflammation Research Unit (RIIRU) therapy area is accountable for end-to-end disease area translational science to inform therapy area and program level biomarker strategies (from preclinical to launch) to increase the probability of success from preclinical to clinical transitions and enable earlier and higher confidence asset related decisions. This includes generation of foundational data as well as disease biomarker development and validation that allow timely deployment of tools/biomarkers to support Proof of Mechanism (PoM), signs of clinical efficacy, Proof of Concept (PoC), and pairing Mechanisms of Action (MoAs) with patient subtypes to predict responder populations.

For candidates applying to be based in Stevenage, please note that the role will temporarily be based at Stevenage. However, the Company plans to relocate its offices to Cambridge UK. The location of this role will therefore subsequently change to Cambridge UK, in accordance with timelines to be set by the Company. The relocation is currently proposed to take effect by early 2029.

Key Responsibilities:

Disease Biomarker Strategy Development and Delivery:

o Partner with the Clinical Teams, Research Technologies and the Development organization to identify, establish biomarkers for decision making throughout clinical development phases and aligned with the overall research and development goals. This will include the identification, prioritisation and validation of disease relevant biomarkers, mechanistic/surrogate biomarkers, patient stratification, and differentiated response prediction, their deployment into clinical studies and interpretation of data/results.

Translational Leadership:

o Provide strategic leadership contributing to deep understanding of Disease areas enabling the development and execution of translational research disease strategies to support the discovery and development of novel differentiated therapeutics including evaluation and diligence of business development opportunities.

Translational innovation:

o Evaluate novel techniques and technologies (i.e. spatial transcriptomics) to inform translational initiatives, biomarker development and validation working in collaboration with platform teams and within a multi-functional matrix environment.

o Identify and guide validation of human assays (cells, tissues and organs) to enhance human translation and predictive value through the application of resources such as the Human Cell Atlas, disease tissue multi-omics data and genetic resources (external or proprietary).

Cross-functional Collaboration:

o Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including the Translational, Disease Teams, Human Genetics & Genomics, biology groups, biomarker platforms, Medicine Development Teams, HBSM, data-sciences, regulatory affairs, business development and commercial to ensure seamless integration of translational research and biomarker strategies across the drug development lifecycle.

External Partnerships:

o Establish and maintain strategic collaborations with academic institutions, contract research organizations (CROs), and other external partners to access cutting-edge technologies, tools, reagents, biosamples, biomarker expertise, and research capabilities.

o Foster a network of external experts and key opinion leaders to stay at the forefront of translational science and biomarker advancements across the industry.

o Contribute to evaluation and diligence of business development opportunities.

Matrix Leadership:

o Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to ensure a high-performing and motivated team.

o Manage disease and project level resources, budgets, and timelines to ensure the successful execution of projects and achievement of milestones and TS objectives.

o Represent TS at portfolio governance reviews providing critical input to pipeline and investment decision making.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications:

We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Cell/Molecular Biology, Genetics, Pharmacology, Physical Chemistry or related field)

Associate Director or Director-level experience in translational science and biomarker development within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

Recognised translational/biomarker expert in scientific community through publications and contributions to the field.

Higher education or experience in translation and biomarkers implementation in Renal, Inflammation and / or Fibrotic indications.

Experience of working in a clinical trial setting, working as part of a clinical study and experience of authoring and oversight of clinical and regulatory documents

Working knowledge of regulatory requirements, industry standards, best practices and compliance considerations in Translational Research and biomarker development and validation.

Broad knowledge and experience in technologies and methods used in translational research.

Proven track record of program decision making through implementing biomarker strategies and delivering translational science insights in support of drug progression through clinical transition milestones.

Experience leading/managing external collaborations and evaluation of business development opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications:

If you have the following characteristics, it would be a plus:

Awareness of bioinformatic / computational methods supporting integrated analysis and interpretation of translational and biomarker-related data sets.

Strong management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple objectives to meet timelines while maintaining attention to detail and high-performance standards.

Excellent inclusive matrix leadership skills, with the ability to create psychological safety, inspire and motivate a team towards achieving common goals.

Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and evolving research environment, with strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

#LI-Gsk*

#Hybrid*


Skills

Biotechnology, Business Strategies, Cell Biology, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Drug Development, Drug Discovery Process, Influencing Without Authority, Interpersonal Communication, Life Science, Market Opportunities, Matrix Leadership, Molecular Biology, Scientific Research, Scientific Writing, Strategic Alignment If you are based in Cambridge, MA; Waltham, MA; Rockville, MD; or San Francisco, CA, the annual base salary for new hires in this position ranges $178,200 to $297,000. The US salary ranges take into account a number of factors including work location within the US market, the candidate's skills, experience, education level and the market rate for the role. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in our share based long term incentive program which is dependent on the level of the role. Available benefits include health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and medical leave. If salary ranges are not displayed in the job posting for a specific country, the relevant compensation will be discussed during the recruitment process.

Why GSK?

Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive.

We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases - to impact health at scale.

People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we're committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us at UKRecruitment.Adjustments@gsk.com where you can also request a call.

Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the Link where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive

Important notice to Employment businesses/ Agencies

GSK does not accept referrals from employment businesses and/or employment agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site. All employment businesses/agencies are required to contact GSK's commercial and general procurement/human resources department to obtain prior written authorization before referring any candidates to GSK. The obtaining of prior written authorization is a condition precedent to any agreement (verbal or written) between the employment business/ agency and GSK. In the absence of such written authorization being obtained any actions undertaken by the employment business/agency shall be deemed to have been performed without the consent or contractual agreement of GSK. GSK shall therefore not be liable for any fees arising from such actions or any fees arising from any referrals by employment businesses/agencies in respect of the vacancies posted on this site.

Please note that if you are a US Licensed Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Professional as defined by the laws of the state issuing your license, GSK may be required to capture and report expenses GSK incurs, on your behalf, in the event you are afforded an interview for employment. This capture of applicable transfers of value is necessary to ensure GSK's compliance to all federal and state US Transparency requirements. For more information, please visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website at https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov/


What GlaxoSmithKline employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


GlaxoSmithKline logo

About GlaxoSmithKline

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

GlaxoSmithKline is a globally recognized pharmaceutical and healthcare company based in Philadelphia, PA, USA. Originated from a merger between Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham in 2000, the company excels in the pharmaceutical industry and holds a leading position in making medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products. GSK's mission is to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, and live longer. They adhere to core values of transparency, integrity, respect for people, and patient-focus, reflecting in their endeavors to conduct research and deliver innovative healthcare solutions to patients and consumers worldwide.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US