Team Lead

Senior Scientist – Assay Development (Science Lead)

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London/Stevenage

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Competitive

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About the Role

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We are seeking a Senior Scientist – Assay Development to lead the development of next-generation diagnostic assays and provide scientific leadership within an innovative, early-stage health technology business, focused on transforming how we understand women’s hormonal health.

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This is a senior, hands-on position with responsibility for defining the assay development strategy, leading scientific decision-making, and driving analytical performance from concept through to validation. You will play a critical role in the development of novel diagnostic technologies, working closely with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, clinical, regulatory, and product development functions.

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The role offers a unique opportunity to influence both scientific direction and product development within a growing organisation designed to study dynamic biological systems, not just static snapshots.

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What You'll Be Responsible For:

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Assay Development & Scientific Leadership

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• Lead the design and development of quantitative immunoassays and related diagnostic technologies
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• Define scientific strategy and development roadmaps
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• Drive assay optimisation across sensitivity, specificity, precision, reproducibility, and stability
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• Establish best practice for scientific rigor, experimental design, and data integrity across development activities
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Method Development & Validation

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• Design and execute analytical validation studies
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• Translate laboratory-based assays into scalable diagnostic formats
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• Support development of point-of-care, biosensor, microfluidic, or cartridge-based technologies
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• Ensure scientific activities are supported by robust statistical analysis and data interpretation
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Regulatory & Quality Documentation

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• Author and maintain development, validation, and technical documentation
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• Ensure documentation meets regulatory and design-control requirements
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• Maintain traceable and audit-ready scientific records
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• Support future regulatory submissions and technical file development as required
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Cross-Functional Collaboration

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• Partner closely with engineering, clinical, regulatory, and external collaborators
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• Support scientific decision-making across product development activities
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• Identify and engage key scientific advisors and external experts
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• Contribute technical leadership across strategic projects
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Team Development

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• Help build scientific capability within the business
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• Mentor and support future scientific hires
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• Promote a culture of scientific excellence, curiosity, and continuous improvement
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About You

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• A PhD in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Bioengineering, or a related discipline
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• Extensive industry experience in assay or diagnostic development
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• Deep hands-on experience developing immunoassays, including ELISA-based technologies
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• Experience taking assays from concept through validation and ideally towards commercialisation
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• Strong quantitative, analytical, and statistical skills
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• Experience working with human biological samples such as blood, saliva, or urine
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• Excellent scientific communication skills and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly
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• The ability to work independently and thrive within an entrepreneurial environment
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Desirable (but not essential):

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• Experience with hormone, steroid, or peptide assays
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• Experience with point-of-care diagnostics, lateral flow, biosensors, or microfluidics
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• Knowledge of lyophilisation or reagent stabilisation approaches
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• Familiarity with IVD regulations, design controls, and regulatory submissions
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• Experience building or leading scientific teams
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• Experience with machine learning or advanced data analysis approaches
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Why Join?

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• Opportunity to take ownership of a core scientific programme
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• Significant influence over scientific strategy and product direction
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• Work on innovative diagnostic technologies with real-world healthcare impact
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• High degree of autonomy and ownership
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• Competitive salary and equity participation opportunity
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Location & Working Pattern

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• Based in London
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• Primarily on-site laboratory-based role
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• Opportunity to work closely with multidisciplinary technical and product teams
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The Opportunity

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This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced assay development scientist to take a leading role within a growing health technology business, helping shape both the science and the product pathway from early-stage innovation through to validated diagnostic solutions.

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Apply now by attaching your CV in Word, or contact Paige Keenan ([email protected]) for further information about this opportunity.