Integration Scientist

LEX Diagnostics; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic biotechnology company is seeking an Integration Scientist to help develop innovative PCR diagnostics. This role involves collaborating across teams to test and troubleshoot lab instruments, requiring strong communication skills and a relevant advanced degree. You'll contribute significantly to the integration of systems that deliver rapid, reliable diagnostics, playing a crucial role in a mission-driven, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution of 10%

Private Medical Insurance

Life insurance

25 days' annual holiday plus bank holidays

Discounts to local sports facilities and theatre

Qualifications

• A Masters or PhD degree (or equivalent experience) in molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience working with prototype lab or diagnostic instruments.
• Strong communication and experience in cross-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Working in cross-disciplinary project teams to test and troubleshoot PCR instruments.
• Designing, running, and analyzing experiments to characterize system performance.
• Documenting all work clearly in line with the quality system.

Skills

Hands-on experience with lab instruments

Cross-disciplinary teamwork

Strong communication skills

Experimental design and data analysis

Good Laboratory Practice familiarity

Education

Masters or PhD in molecular biology, bioengineering, or related field

Job description

Curious, collaborative, and comfortable digging into the messy middle of science and engineering?

LEX Diagnostics is on a mission to make infectious disease diagnostics fast, simple, and accessible - and we're building a game-changing point of care PCR system to do it. Now, we're looking for an Integration Scientist who loves working on complex lab instrumentation, has a passion for getting things to just work, and thrives in a team where everyone rolls up their sleeves.

This is a hands-on lab-based role in our growing Systems & Integration team, where you'll be working at the heart of our sample to result system. You'll be surrounded by engineers, biologists, and physicists, and you'll need to be just as happy talking to an assay scientist about reagents as you are discussing hardware performance with a mechanical engineer.

What you'll be doing:

• Working in cross-disciplinary project teams to test and troubleshoot our benchtop PCR instruments - hunting down the root cause of issues and helping shape solutions
• Designing, running, and analysing experiments to characterise system performance
• Evaluating components and workflows developed by other teams, then feeding back what's working (and what's not)
• Collaborating with assay, software, hardware, and reagent team members to integrate all technology into a cohesive, high performing system
• Investigating biological, fluidic, and mechanical behaviours, then communicating your findings clearly to your colleagues
• Ensuring all your work is documented clearly and accurately in line with our quality system (eQMS)
• Helping grow and shape the Integration team and bringing your ideas to the table
  
  

Requirements

What we're looking for:

We're not just after a checklist, but if you're nodding along to most of the below, we'd love to hear from you:

Must-haves:

• A Masters or PhD degree (or equivalent experience) in molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field
• Hands on experience working with prototype lab or diagnostic instruments
• Experience working in cross-disciplinary teams, and strong communication across functions
• Solid understanding of experimental design, execution, and data analysis
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
• We're still small, so a proactive, can-do attitude with the flexibility to move with shifting priorities
• Comfort working in fast paced, evolving environments where your input truly matters
  
  

Nice to haves:

• Experience with RT/qRT-PCR
• Prior involvement with - regulated IVD devices
• Data analysis skills in Python or R
• Familiarity with systems engineering, requirements capture, or microfluidics
• Exposure to ISO13485 or other regulated environments
  
  

Who you'll work with:

• Essentially just about everyone. This is a true team sport
  
  

Why this role matters:

As we move towards a commercial product, integration is everything. You'll play a critical role in making sure all the pieces, from software to reagents, fit together and deliver the performance healthcare professionals can trust. You'll be helping build a product that has real-world impact, and your work will directly contribute to better, faster diagnostics at the point of care.

Benefits

What's in it for you:

• Be part of a mission led, growing company that's doing meaningful science
• Learn from an experienced cross functional team across biology and engineering
• Play a key role in shaping the next gen version of our system
• Own subsystems, contribute to design decisions, and influence how we build and scale
• Work in an environment that's supportive but stretching. We'll trust you with responsibility, and back you to grow
  
  

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

LEX Diagnostics was founded in 2020. Our innovative system is designed to integrate effortlessly into primary care settings, bringing PCR sensitivity to urgent care centres, physicians labs, and pharmacies, returning results significantly quicker 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 provides as opportunity to 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 are excited for what we can continue to build together.

What This Means For You

• More Resources - Manufacturing scale, regulatory & distribution infrastructure
• R&D Focus - Concentrated innovation around LEX platform and test menu
• Career Mobility - As well as creating a cross-disciplinary development environment in science and engineering, we hope that LEX employees can transition into broader roles (e.g., regulatory affairs, global supply chain, sales, clinical affairs) across the integrated organisation.
• Global Exposure - International workflows & markets (US & EU)
• Impact & Stability - Increased product reach and organisational strength
• Development - Structured programs and training opportunities
  
  

2026 will 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
• Life insurance
• 25 days' annual holiday plus bank holidays
• Discounts and memberships to local sports facilities and the theatre
  
  

If you're ready to bring your systems thinking, scientific curiosity, and integration know-how to something that could change lives - we'd love to chat.

Apply now and help us bring ultra-fast PCR to the point of care.