Clinical Validation Scientist

TN United Kingdom; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative biotech start-up in Oxford is seeking a Clinical Validation Scientist to lead the design and execution of clinical validation studies for veterinary diagnostics. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and making a significant impact on animal health. Join a passionate team dedicated to revolutionizing veterinary diagnostics and enjoy a flexible working environment with clear career progression. If you are driven, organized, and ready to contribute to meaningful advancements in animal health, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Clear career progression

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in clinical sample handling experiments.
• Hands-on expertise in molecular techniques like PCR/qPCR and ELISA.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical validation studies for veterinary diagnostics.
• Coordinate external clinical trials and manage data integrity.
• Prepare documentation for diagnostic product registration.

Skills

Molecular Techniques (PCR/qPCR)

Veterinary Virology

Regulatory Frameworks (ISO13485)

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

MSc in Veterinary Science

MSc in Molecular Biology

MSc in Biotechnology

MSc in Biomedical Science

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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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

• 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, Western blot)
• 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.