Assay Development Scientist

Quotient; Hartford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology firm in the UK is looking for a motivated Assay Development Scientist to drive innovation in NGS workflows within their team. The successful candidate must possess a BSc or MSc degree in a relevant field and have at least 8 years of experience in NGS research and development. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and a passion for scientific advancement. Candidates with hands-on experience in spatial transcriptomics are preferred. Join us to contribute to transformative medicines for serious diseases.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years' post-graduation experience in NGS workflow research and development.
• Hands-on experience in implementing spatial transcriptomics and/or single-cell platforms.
• Knowledge of working under HTA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct bench-based experiments as an active member of the Assay Development team.
• Drive innovation in NGS library preparation methods.
• Manage cross-functional teams for complex project delivery.

Skills

NGS workflow research and development

Spatial genomics

PCR workflow design and optimization

Spatial transcriptomics platforms

Excellent communication skills

Digital productivity tools

Education

BSc or MSc degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or microbiology

Tools

Notion

Trello

Jira

Job description

Company Summary

Quotient Therapeutics Ltd is a privately held, early‑stage company developing a novel genomics platform and therapeutics for diseases with a large unmet need. The company was founded by Flagship Pioneering, an innovative enterprise that conceives, creates, resources, and grows first‑in‑category life sciences companies. Flagship Pioneering has created over 100 groundbreaking companies over the past twenty years, all of which are pioneering novel and proprietary biological, industrial, and engineering approaches to solve major needs in human health and sustainability. These companies include Moderna (MRNA), Generate Biomedicines, Sana Biotechnology (SANA), Tessera Therapeutics, Evelo Biosciences (EVLO), Indigo Agriculture, Seres Therapeutics (MCRB), and Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS). We are an equal opportunity employer.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic Assay Development Scientist to join our passionate team. The role will be responsible for driving innovation in Quotient's NGS workflows, and lead the implementation of spatial biology/single cell technologies for our somatic genomics platform. The successful candidate will be a self‑starter, able to thrive in a fast‑paced, action‑oriented team environment and have a clear passion for the science we are doing. They will have demonstrated evidence of agility in their scientific work and an overt attitude of positivity when facing challenges. They will be dedicated to learning and development, embrace feedback and be open to working outside their comfort zone.

Key Responsibilities

• Be an active member of the Assay Development team, conducting bench‑based experiments.
• Drive innovation in our core next‑generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation methods.
• Lead piloting and implementation of spatial biology/single‑cell platforms at Quotient.
• Manage cross‑functional teams to deliver complex projects, modelling good practice in project management.
• Explore the scientific literature and propose innovative new tools/methods to support Quotient's overarching goals.
• Advise senior management on strategic decision‑making.
• Develop standard operating procedures for new versions of assays to enable smooth transfer of processes to Quotient's high‑throughput lab.
• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and quality standards, including the Human Tissue Act and COSHH.
• Collaborate and communicate with other team members across various functional areas.

Key Skills and Experience

Essential

• BSc or MSc degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or microbiology, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years' post‑graduation experience in NGS workflow research and development and/or spatial genomics.
• Experience in the design and optimization of PCR workflows.
• Hands‑on experience in the implementation and troubleshooting of spatial transcriptomics and/or single‑cell platforms, such as 10X Xenium or Chromium.
• Evidence of an ability to devise novel solutions to research challenges and drive technological innovation.
• Knowledge and experience of working under HTA regulations.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience working with digital productivity tools such as Notion, Trello or Jira.
• A high degree of energy, accuracy and attention to detail, and a passion for contributing to work leading to the creation of transformative medicines for patients with serious diseases.

Desirable

• Experience in the isolation and handling of RNA, especially for NGS library preparation.
• Use of laboratory information management systems (Benchling preferred).
• Experience with histological processing of human tissues.
• Previous experience in a biotech or pharmaceutical industry setting.
• PhD in a relevant discipline.