Senior Scientist

Location: Blashford

The Opportunity:

Location:

Cambridge

Contract:

12-month contract About the Role We are recruiting a Senior Scientist - Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS) to join our client's highly regulated, CAP/CLIA-accredited laboratory environment in Cambridge. This is a senior, hands-on laboratory role embedded within AstraZeneca's Precision Diagnostics Development (PDD) group, supporting the development, optimisation, validation and operationalisation of cutting-edge diagnostic solutions. Working within a collaborative scientific environment, you will provide scientific leadership and operational oversight across histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), assay development, validation, and digital/computational pathology workflows .

You will play a key role in ensuring laboratory quality, regulatory compliance and the successful delivery of diagnostic development programmes that contribute directly to precision medicine and improved patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities Provide scientific leadership and day-to-day operational oversight of laboratory activities Independently perform and supervise technical laboratory work in accordance with SOPs and quality standards Lead assay development, optimisation, characterisation, verification and validation activities Act as Project Lead for design control and assay validation programmes Design and execute studies to establish assay performance characteristics including sensitivity, specificity, precision and linearity Analyse experimental data using statistical approaches and design of experiments (DOE) methodologies Develop and optimise sample preparation workflows, including microtomy across a range of human tissue types Operate, maintain and troubleshoot automated histology and IHC platforms including Ventana, Leica and Dako systems Support and oversee digital pathology workflows including image scanning, quality control and issue resolution Ensure compliance with CAP/CLIA, ISO, HTA, GCP and other applicable regulatory frameworks Support quality management activities including design controls, supplier controls, change controls, risk management and CAPA processes Manage laboratory data and documentation using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Collaborate closely with scientists, project managers and cross-functional stakeholders to communicate findings and project progress effectively Support staff training and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory About You Essential: BSc degree (or equivalent experience) in Biomedical Science, Pathology, Molecular Biology or a related scientific discipline Minimum 5 years' experience within a diagnostic histopathology and/or immunohistochemistry laboratory Proven experience performing microtomy and handling a wide range of human tissue samples Strong understanding of immunohistochemistry and its application within diagnostics and patient care Experience working within regulated laboratory environments such as CAP/CLIA, ISO
15189, HTA or GCP Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Demonstrated ability to manage projects, prioritise workloads and work effectively within matrix teams Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Strong commitment to quality, compliance and data integrity Desirable: HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist Experience in diagnostic product development, design controls and analytical validation Hands-on experience operating and maintaining automated IHC and histology platforms (e.g. Ventana Bench Mark, Leica BOND RX, Dako Omnis, Leica Spectra ST) Experience leading assay development and optimisation projects

Experience with in CAP/CLIA or ISO
15189 accredited diagnostic laboratories

Experience with digital pathology, whole-slide imaging and image quality control Interest in advancing computational pathology and innovative diagnostic technologies Why Join AVANTOR? Contribute to cutting-edge precision diagnostics and translational research programmes Take ownership of scientifically complex and high-impact projects Work alongside world-leading scientists and diagnostics experts Develop expertise across diagnostics, assay validation, digital pathology and regulated laboratory operations Join a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement and scientific excellence Benefits Package 25 days annual leave, plus an additional day off for your birthday Competitive pension scheme Private…