Senior Scientist – Assay Development (Science Lead)
London/Stevenage
Competitive
About the Role
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.
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.
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.
What You'll Be Responsible For:
Assay Development & Scientific Leadership
- Lead the design and development of quantitative immunoassays and related diagnostic technologies
- Define scientific strategy and development roadmaps
- Drive assay optimisation across sensitivity, specificity, precision, reproducibility, and stability
- Establish best practice for scientific rigor, experimental design, and data integrity across development activities
Method Development & Validation
- Design and execute analytical validation studies
- Translate laboratory-based assays into scalable diagnostic formats
- Support development of point-of-care, biosensor, microfluidic, or cartridge-based technologies
- Ensure scientific activities are supported by robust statistical analysis and data interpretation
Regulatory & Quality Documentation
- Author and maintain development, validation, and technical documentation
- Ensure documentation meets regulatory and design-control requirements
- Maintain traceable and audit-ready scientific records
- Support future regulatory submissions and technical file development as required
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with engineering, clinical, regulatory, and external collaborators
- Support scientific decision-making across product development activities
- Identify and engage key scientific advisors and external experts
- Contribute technical leadership across strategic projects
Team Development
- Help build scientific capability within the business
- Mentor and support future scientific hires
- Promote a culture of scientific excellence, curiosity, and continuous improvement
About You
- A PhD in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Bioengineering, or a related discipline
- Extensive industry experience in assay or diagnostic development
- Deep hands-on experience developing immunoassays, including ELISA-based technologies
- Experience taking assays from concept through validation and ideally towards commercialisation
- Strong quantitative, analytical, and statistical skills
- Experience working with human biological samples such as blood, saliva, or urine
- Excellent scientific communication skills and the ability to explain complex concepts clearly
- The ability to work independently and thrive within an entrepreneurial environment
Desirable (but not essential):
- Experience with hormone, steroid, or peptide assays
- Experience with point-of-care diagnostics, lateral flow, biosensors, or microfluidics
- Knowledge of lyophilisation or reagent stabilisation approaches
- Familiarity with IVD regulations, design controls, and regulatory submissions
- Experience building or leading scientific teams
- Experience with machine learning or advanced data analysis approaches
Why Join?
- Opportunity to take ownership of a core scientific programme
- Significant influence over scientific strategy and product direction
- Work on innovative diagnostic technologies with real-world healthcare impact
- High degree of autonomy and ownership
- Competitive salary and equity participation opportunity
Location & Working Pattern
- Based in London
- Primarily on-site laboratory-based role
- Opportunity to work closely with multidisciplinary technical and product teams
The Opportunity
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.
Apply now by attaching your CV in Word, or contact Paige Keenan (paige.keenan@srgtalent.com) for further information about this opportunity.