Assay Development Scientist

LEX Diagnostics Limited; Royston; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diagnostics company in Royston is looking for a passionate Scientist to join their Assay Development team. You'll design and optimize ultra-rapid PCR assays and collaborate with engineering teams to deliver impactful diagnostics. A PhD in molecular biology or a related field, along with hands-on PCR experience, is essential. This position promises career growth and a chance to work on innovations that shape future diagnostics.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution of 10%

Private Medical Insurance

25 days annual holiday plus bank holidays

Discounts to local sports facilities and theatre

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent industry experience in molecular biology, microbiology, or related field.
• Significant hands-on experience with PCR and nucleic acid extraction.
• Strong communication skills in lab and team discussions.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop cutting-edge PCR tests that are fast and accurate.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for hardware integration.
• Document work meticulously in electronic QMS.

Skills

PCR expertise

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Education

PhD in molecular biology or related field

Tools

qRT-PCR

Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

Job description

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At LEX Diagnostics, we're on a mission to bring laboratory-quality PCR results to the point of care, in under 10 minutes. And we’re not stopping there.

We’re expanding our Assay Development team and looking for a curious, hands-on scientist who’s passionate about molecular biology and wants to push the boundaries of what's possible in ultra fast diagnostics.

If you’re someone who enjoys solving scientific puzzles, thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and wants your work to have a real-world impact, then we need to be talking.

What the role’s all about.

You’ll be right at the heart of our biology team, designing and developing cutting-edge PCR-based tests that are fast, accurate, and ready for real-world use.

This is a lab based, sleeves-rolled-up kind of role. You’ll be running experiments, optimising assays, and working closely with our engineering, reagent, and integration teams to make sure everything works seamlessly.

You’ll also explore new frontiers in PCR based assays and novel amplification techniques, helping us build a system that’s not just fast, but game-changing.

What you’ll be doing:

· Designing, developing, and optimising ultra rapid PCR assays

· Developing rapid nucleic acid extraction methods for cartridge-based systems

· Collaborating across science and engineering teams to integrate assay and hardware development

· Contributing to assay feasibility studies and shaping our ever-growing test menu

· Sharing ideas, troubleshooting experiments, and helping steer projects toward clinical success

· Supporting verification and validation of new assays as part of IVD product development

· Meticulously documenting your work in our electronic QMS

Requirements

· A PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in molecular biology, microbiology, or similar

· Significant hands-on experience with PCR, qRT-PCR, and nucleic acid extraction

· Confident in designing and running experiments and analysing data

· Comfortable working under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

· We’re a startup environment so you need to be a team player who’s flexible, collaborative, and happy to shift gears when priorities change

· Strong communication skills, both in the lab and in team discussions

Who are we and what does the future hold for you?

LEX Diagnostics was founded in 2020. Our innovative system integrates effortlessly into primary care settings, bringing PCR-level sensitivity to urgent care centres, physicians, labs, and pharmacies, all at a significantly lower cost per test than other molecular platforms.

2025 is a milestone year for us as we’ve just submitted dual 510(k) CLIA waiver applications to the U.S. FDA. This means you will be an important part of a high impact launch that will enhance your future career credentials.

The Future

In December 2023, QuidelOrtho invested in LEX Diagnostics, which included the exclusive option to acquire the company up to or shortly after 510(k) clearance by the FDA. In QuidelOrtho, we have an investment partner that recognises the capabilities of our team, and are excited for what we can continue to build together... We are optimistic to receive 510(k) clearance in late 2025 or early 2026.

What this means for you

1. More Resources - Manufacturing scale, regulatory & distribution infrastructure

2. R&D Focus - Concentrated innovation around LEX platform and test menu

3. Career Mobility - As well as creating a cross-disciplinary development environment in science and engineering, LEX employees can transition into broader roles (e.g., regulatory affairs, global supply chain, sales, clinical affairs) across the integrated organisation.

4. Global Exposure - International workflows & markets (US & EU)

5. Impact & Stability - Increased product reach and organisational strength

6. Development - Structured programs and training opportunities

2026 - We should see the elevation of the LEX Diagnostics team from startup environment into a well-supported, international diagnostics powerhouse without sacrificing the very thing that made our team successful, innovation. You’ll help drive forward a unique, market-leading platform within a growing team that needs to invest in your development and career growth.

Our working culture encourages entrepreneurship, shared ideas, and technical collaboration, while providing you the freedom to do your best work. We also offer fantastic employee benefits including:

· Employer pension contribution of 10% (+3% personal contribution)

· Private Medical Insurance

· 25 days’ annual holiday plus bank holidays

· Discounts and memberships to local sports facilities and the theatre

You’ll be part of a close-knit biology team, with plenty of crosstalk with engineers, reagent scientists, and product developers. If you’re excited by complex challenges and want your work to make a difference, then this is the place to be.

Come join us and help shape the future of diagnostics, one ultra-fast test at a time.