Clinical Validation Scientist

ZYTCA Animal Health; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotech startup in Oxford is seeking a Clinical Validation Scientist to design and execute validation studies for veterinary diagnostics. This role involves collaboration with R&D and regulatory teams, and offers a chance to make a real impact in animal health innovation.

Benefits

Clear career progression

Collaborative culture

Flexible, modern working environment

Qualifications

• ≥2 years' experience in clinical sample handling experiments and research (biotech preferred).
• Hands-on expertise in PCR/qPCR, ELISA, electrophoresis.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical validation study protocols development.
• Conduct in-house molecular assay validation and coordinate external trials.
• Prepare documentation for diagnostics product registration.

Skills

Veterinary virology

Microbiology

Epidemiology

Molecular techniques

Clinical trial methodologies

Regulatory frameworks

Biostatistics

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

MSc or higher in Veterinary Science, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About ZYTCA

ZYTCA is a rapidly scaling biotech start-up founded in 2022 at Oxford, UK, on a mission to revolutionise veterinary diagnostics. We develop high-sensitivity, rapid qPCR point-of-care tests for companion and large animals—and are pioneering AI-driven pathology solutions. Guided by a One Health philosophy, we believe healthier animals lead to healthier ecosystems and communities.

Role Overview

As our Clinical Validation Scientist, you will spearhead the design, execution and analysis of clinical validation studies for our veterinary diagnostics portfolio. You will produce technical reports summarising the product's analytical sensitivity/specificity, diagnostic sensitivity/specificity, repeatability, reproducibility, and stability. You'll collaborate across R&D, product management, regulatory and commercial teams—and partner with leading reference laboratories worldwide—to ensure our assays meet the highest scientific and regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

Protocol Development:

• Lead creation of robust clinical study protocols in collaboration with Product Management, R&D and external labs
• Align study design with regulatory guidelines and business objectives
  
  

Study Execution and Management

• Conduct in-house molecular assay validation (PCR, qPCR, ELISA, etc.)
• Coordinate external clinical trials at partner sites (e.g., veterinary hospital and practices, research institutions and reference laboratories)
• Track milestones, manage timelines and safeguard data quality and integrity
  
  

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Work with biostatisticians to analyse validation data
• Interpret results, draft clinical study reports, manuscripts and stakeholder presentations
  
  

Regulatory Support

• Prepare and review documentation for diagnostic product registration in EU, US and other countries
• Engage with regulatory bodies (WOAH, national authorities) to secure approvals and address queries
• Ensure the technical documents are prepared in compliance with ISO13485
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the clinical liaison between R&D, Quality, Product and Commercial teams
• Communicate progress, risks and findings to internal and external stakeholders
  
  
  

Why ZYTCA?

• Join a passionate, supportive team at the forefront of animal health innovation
• Shape the future of veterinary diagnostics—and make a real-world impact
• Access clear career progression as we scale globally
• Enjoy a collaborative culture and a flexible, modern working environment
  
  
  

Requirements

• MSc or higher in Veterinary Science, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science or a related discipline
• ≥2 years' experience in clinical sample handling experiments and research (biotech preferred)
• Good understanding of veterinary virology, microbiology, and epidemiology
• Hands-on expertise in molecular techniques (PCR/qPCR, ELISA, electrophoresis...)
• Strong grasp of clinical trial methodologies, regulatory frameworks, ISO9001 or ISO13485, and biostatistics
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English (additional EU languages a plus)
• Highly organised, proactive and able to drive projects to completion
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite