Assay Scientist

PerkinElmer; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

PerkinElmer is seeking a motivated candidate to join the OneSource Scientific Services team, based at a customer site in Stevenage. You will be part of a research unit focused on biology and life sciences, reporting to a PerkinElmer team leader on site at the GSK Stevenage campus.

You will perform cell culture, assays, and data analysis, maintaining safety and GLP standards while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to advance innovative research.

Qualifications

• BSc or equivalent in a relevant scientific subject with laboratory experience.
• 1–2 years of demonstrated work in a laboratory environment following protocols and SOPs.
• Specialism in omics and NGS support, with history of sequencing library construction including fragmentation, end-repair, adapter ligation, and target enrichment/PCR.
• DNA/RNA sample processing, quality control (Qubit, TapeStation), and qPCR using TaqMan assays.
• Good laboratory practices (GLP) and laboratory safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory research activities including cell culture, sample preparation and assay reagent and media supply.
• Perform various biological assays using manual and automated techniques.
• Analyze and report data using corporate tools; apply QC rules to show acceptability.
• Track assay performance metrics and communicate issues and suggest improvements to current assay methodology.
• Be an active member of the scientific teams – contribute at team meetings by presenting data and looking for opportunities for innovation.
• Maintain training and compliance in health and safety, security, environmental and operational aspects of daily activities.
• Actively seek opportunities to develop the service by discussion with the team leader and customer or by sharing best practices with other groups.
• Operate to approved quality standards.
• Work independently and flexibly depending on team priorities and set realistic work schedules.

Skills

Cell culture

Assays

Data analysis

Documentation

Communication

Team player

GLP compliance

Safety awareness

Education

BSc in Biology or related

Tools

Qubit

TapeStation

qPCR (TaqMan)

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious candidate to join the PerkinElmer OneSource Scientific Services team based at one of our customer sites in Stevenage, UK.

The successful candidate will be working within the PerkinElmer Technical Lab Services (TLS) division and will be placed within a research unit at the customer site who have a focus on R&D activities in the field of biology and life sciences research and are at the forefront of developing innovative and life-changing medicines for patients.

The candidate will work within a collaborative team environment across a diverse biotherapeutic portfolio within the company and can develop in PerkinElmer’s scientific arena. The role will report to a dedicated PerkinElmer team leader and will be based at the GSK Stevenage campus.

Responsabilities:

• Perform routine laboratory research activities including but not limited to cell culture, sample preparation and assay reagent and media supply.
• Perform various biological assays as determined by the specific departmental work project or package and using both manual and automated techniques.
• Analysis and reporting of data using corporate tools; application of QC rules to show acceptability.
• Track assay performance metrics and communicate issues and suggest improvements to current assay methodology, supporting evaluation of new technologies where applicable.
• Be an active member of the scientific teams – contribute at team meetings by presenting data and looking for opportunities for innovation.
• Maintain training and compliance in areas of health and safety, security, environmental and operational aspects of daily activities in the working environment.
• Actively seek opportunities to develop the service by discussion with the team leader and customer or by sharing the best practice(s) with other groups.
• Operate to approved quality standards.
• Work independently and flexibly depending on team priorities and set realistic work schedules to support requirements.

Critical Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Self‑motivated and able to work under pressure to prioritize conflicting deadlines.
• An ability to meet timelines successfully with the utmost attention to detail while setting high performance standards.
• Service orientated attitude combined with innovative thinking.
• Strong interpersonal skills; strong team player with customer satisfaction focus
• Ability to execute new and established methods and protocols.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex scientific data.
• Understanding of standard software packages (i.e. Microsoft Office).
• Ability to operate within company and/or customer site safety codes of practice.

Basic Qualifications

• BSc or equivalent in a relevant scientific subject (e.g. Biology, Biotechnology or Biomedical Sciences), with relevant laboratory experience.
• 1‑2 years of demonstrated work in a laboratory environment following defined protocols and SOPs, performing cell culture and several laboratory bioassays using manual and automated techniques.
• Specialism in omics and NGS support, with a history of sequencing library construction including fragmentation, end-repair, adapter ligation, and target enrichment/PCR.
• Expertise with DNA/RNA sample processing, quality control (Qubit, TapeStation), and qPCR using TaqMan assays.
• Knowledgeable in good laboratory practices (GLP) and good laboratory safety practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters or Doctorate qualification in a relevant scientific subject (e.g. Biology, Biotechnology or Biomedical Sciences).
• A proven background of training staff in laboratory techniques.
• Computational skills preferred for enabling automated data acquisition and analysis, and familiarity with related data analysis applications.
• Knowledge of GCP, GCLP and GMP principles in the pharmaceutical environment.
• Knowledge of 5S and/or 6 sigma principles is a plus.

Working Environment

Must be able to work in a laboratory and controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.).
Work with biohazards upon completion of blood borne pathogen surveillance.
Hepatitis B vaccination may be required, vaccination programme in place for successful candidates who are not already vaccinated or require updated boosters. Opt out optional.
The employee may be required to manage hazardous waste in compliance with company procedures and local and national hazardous waste regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing, labelling.
Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.
May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.