Senior Scientist

Senior Scientist – Clinical Assay Development

Location: Cambridge, UK
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000

Are you an experienced and innovative scientist looking to advance your career in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? A rapidly growing start-up is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead cutting-edge molecular diagnostic assay development at their state-of-the-art laboratory in Cambridge Science Park.

What You Really Want to Know, What’s In It for You?

• Innovate at the cutting edge: Play a key role in developing groundbreaking diagnostics that transform healthcare globally.
• Unparalleled growth: Gain exposure to exciting projects, cutting-edge technologies, and industry-leading experts.
• Make an impact: Contribute directly to reducing diagnosis times and improving patient outcomes on a global scale.
• Shape your future: Join a fast-growing team with significant opportunities for leadership and career advancement.
• Dynamic environment: Thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced workplace where your ideas and expertise will truly make a difference.

What you will be doing…

As a Senior Scientist, you will be the technical lead, managing the design, development, and validation of diagnostic assays to ISO or IVDR standards. This role combines hands-on laboratory work with leadership responsibilities, including mentoring junior scientists and collaborating with external partners.

This is just a taste of what you will be getting involved with…

• Lead the development of innovative molecular diagnostic assays, including PCR technology and lateral flow tests.
• Manage laboratory operations, ensuring compliance with ISO standards (e.g., 9001, 15189, 13485).
• Oversee assay validation, nucleic acid extraction, and infectious sample processing.
• Guide projects from concept to implementation, meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Provide mentorship and management to lab staff, fostering a culture of learning and excellence.
• Collaborate with external technology providers and academic partners to advance assay development.

About you!

• Ideally you will have a PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, or related field, or chartered scientist (IBMS).
• We do really need a minimum of 3 years of industry experience.
• Expertise in molecular diagnostics, including qPCR, TaqMan technology, and NGS (Next Generation Sequencing).
• Experience designing and validating diagnostic assays.
• Background in ISO-accredited laboratories and understanding of IVDR regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor or manage teams in a laboratory setting.

Interested in finding out more?

Call me on 01403 577972, email charlottem@harrislord.com.

If you don’t have an up to date CV, no worries, just email me and we can arrange a time to talk!