Lead Scientist, Assay Development

Talentmark is working with an innovative, early-stage diagnostics company developing next-generation at-home testing technology.

We are looking for a Lead Scientist – Assay Development to take ownership of assay development and help shape the company's scientific direction. This is a hands-on leadership role, taking assays from initial design and optimisation through to validation and commercialisation.

• Lead the design and development of quantitative immunoassays.
• Drive optimisation of sensitivity, precision, reproducibility and stability.
• Design and execute assay development and validation studies.
• Maintain robust documentation aligned with regulatory and technical-file requirements.
• Establish high standards for data integrity, experimental rigour and statistical analysis.
• Manage external scientific collaborators and advisors.

You are an experienced assay development scientist with a strong track record of taking assays from concept through to validation.

• PhD in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Bioengineering, Biomedical Science or a related discipline.
• Industry experience in diagnostics or assay development (5 yrs+)
• Strong hands-on expertise in immunoassay development, particularly ELISA, with a good working knowledge of enzymatic assays.
• Experience translating laboratory immunoassays into point-of-care, lateral-flow, biosensor or microfluidic cartridge formats.
• Experience with low-concentration analyte measurement
• Proven experience developing diagnostic assays through validation and commercial release.
• Practical experience working with human biological samples (blood, saliva or urine).
• Ideal candidate would be London based but happy to commute to Stevenage
• Experience developing steroid or peptide hormone assays.
• Familiarity with freeze-drying / lyophilisation for reagent stabilisation.
• Knowledge IVD technical-file preparation for CE, UKCA or FDA submissions.
• Experience building or leading a laboratory/science team.
• Experience working with aptamer technology.

• The opportunity to take diagnostic assays from concept through validation and towards market.
• A senior, hands-on role within an ambitious early-stage company.
• Competitive salary and share equity options scheme.

It is essential that applicants hold entitlement to work in the UK.