Science Lead - Assay Development; Diagnostics & Point of Care

Senior Scientist, Assay Development (Science Lead)

Location: London, on‑site (laboratory currently based in Stevenage; aiming to relocate to London soon)

We're partnering with an ambitious, venture‑backed healthtech company developing a next‑generation diagnostic platform designed to bring laboratory‑quality hormone testing into the home.

The company is tackling a significant unmet need in healthcare through the development of highly sensitive assays capable of measuring hormones and related biomarkers from non‑invasive samples. As they move towards product validation and commercialisation, they are looking for a senior scientific leader to own assay development and shape the scientific strategy of the business.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced assay development scientist who wants to combine hands‑on laboratory work with scientific leadership in a fast‑growing diagnostics company.

As the scientific lead for assay development, you will be responsible for driving the design, optimisation, validation and translation of quantitative immunoassays into a point‑of‑care diagnostic platform.

You’ll work at the intersection of biology, chemistry, diagnostics and engineering, collaborating closely with engineers, regulatory specialists and external partners to bring a novel diagnostic product from development through to market.

This is a highly visible role with significant influence over both product development and scientific direction.

• Lead the development and optimisation of quantitative immunoassays
• Drive assay performance across sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and stability
• Design and execute analytical validation studies
• Translate laboratory assays into point‑of‑care, cartridge‑based or microfluidic formats
• Establish scientific best practice for experimental design, data quality and statistical analysis
• Generate documentation aligned with regulatory and design‑control requirements
• Work closely with engineering, clinical and regulatory teams
• Support external collaborations and scientific advisory relationships
• Contribute to building and mentoring a growing scientific team

• PhD in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Bioengineering or a related discipline
• Industry experience in assay development, diagnostics or IVD product development
• Strong hands‑on expertise in immunoassay development, particularly ELISA‑based systems
• Experience developing assays from concept through validation
• Background translating assays into point‑of‑care, biosensor, lateral flow or microfluidic platforms
• Experience working with biologically relevant samples such as blood, saliva or urine
• Strong experimental design, data analysis and statistical skills
• Experience generating technical and validation documentation within regulated environments
• Ability to operate independently in a fast‑moving start‑up or scale‑up environment

• Experience measuring low‑abundance analytes
• CE‑IVD, UKCA or FDA‑regulated product experience
• Team leadership or scientific management experience

• Own the scientific strategy behind a breakthrough diagnostic product
• Lead assay development from early‑stage innovation through commercial launch
• Join a mission‑driven business addressing a major unmet healthcare need
• Work directly with senior leadership and influence company direction
• Competitive salary and meaningful equity participation
• Opportunity to build and lead a science function as the company grows

Interested in learning more? Apply with an up‑to‑date CV for a confidential discussion.