Research Assistant

Your role

We are looking for a careful and responsible full-time Research Assistant based in Turku to strengthen our preclinical in vivo research activities. The position is permanent, with a planned start in early August or as agreed. The role combines research work, laboratory work, and animal welfare.

As a Research Assistant, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary research team and participate in the practical execution of in vivo studies. Your work combines supporting research activities, laboratory work, and ensuring animal welfare. The role is varied and requires attention to detail, good collaboration skills, and the ability to work in accordance with instructions and agreed ways of working.

Through your work, you will support the generation of new knowledge and contribute to Orion’s global drug discovery and development efforts, helping advance potential future treatments for both humans and animals — while ensuring research is conducted to a high scientific standard, with animal welfare fully considered.

Responsibilities

• Conducting preclinical in vivo studies according to the study plan
• Handling, analysing, and documenting study material and samples
• Laboratory work (biochemical and haematological analyses; preparation and handling of blood and tissue smears)
• Participating in the preparation and handling of histological samples, as well as in necropsies
• Animal care and welfare monitoring, and contributing to the development of animal welfare in line with the facility’s general operating principles

What you can expect from us

We offer a versatile and meaningful role at the heart of preclinical research, where your work has a real impact. You will have the opportunity to grow and develop your expertise through hands-on research, supported by a skilled and collaborative team in a supportive and encouraging environment where animal welfare and high-quality science go hand in hand.

At Orion, your work creates true impact and well-being for our customers, patients and society at large. ​ ​Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support the development of innovative solutions and improving the quality of life.

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 are we looking for?

• A suitable degree in laboratory sciences or biomedical sciences: e.g., Biomedical Laboratory Scientist (UAS), laboratory technician, laboratory nurse, or BSc/MSc (biomedicine, biochemistry, biotechnology), or another relevant field
• Competence in animal experimentation (FELASA B)
• Interest and readiness to work in an in vivo research environment; previous experience working with laboratory animals is an asset
• Suitability for working with animals; the role involves physical workload and exposure to animal allergens
• Good basic IT skills, including experience with standard office tools and data management, and the ability to quickly adopt new systems
• Good Finnish and English language skills
• A careful and systematic working approach and willingness to follow instructions
• Proactiveness, flexibility, and the ability to prioritise and organise tasks
• Good collaboration and communication skills
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed
• A responsible attitude towards animal welfare and commitment to the 3Rs principles

How to apply

Please submit your cover letter and CV in Finnish by Sunday, 21 June 2026. We review applications on a rolling basis and may start interviews before the closing date, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

An approved medical examination, which also includes drug testing, is required prior to employment. We will also carry out a security clearance prior to the employment for the selected person.

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. 

Our VivoCore team is part of VivOrion within the Integrated DMPK and Safety department at Orion Pharma R&D, located in Turku. We support all Orion Pharma therapy areas, including oncology, pain management, and animal health. VivoCore is a service-oriented team that works collaboratively with genuine care and commitment toward shared goals.

Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company – a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.

We’re home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we’re proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.

Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.

We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.

About Orion