Reagent Development Scientist

LEX Diagnostics Limited; Melbourn; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company in Melbourn seeks a PhD-level candidate to design and optimize qPCR reagents for diagnostic purposes. The ideal candidate will work in a dynamic, fast-paced R&D environment, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. The role offers a collaborative, ambitious culture and an attractive benefits package including private medical insurance and a pension contribution.

Benefits

10% employer pension contribution (+3% employee)

Private Medical Insurance

Life insurance

25 days annual holiday + bank holidays

Local gym and theatre membership discounts

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience in molecular biology, including nucleic acid extraction.
• Excellent communication skills for collaboration across teams.
• Ability to contribute under IVD framework and ISO13485 compliance.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimise qPCR and RT-qPCR reagents.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure reagent performance.
• Support experimental design, execution, and data analysis.

Skills

Hands-on experience in molecular biology

Experience with qPCR and RT-qPCR

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

PhD or equivalent experience in molecular biology

Tools

ISO13485 familiarity

Experience with prototype instruments

Job description

What you’ll be doing

This isn’t just lab work, it’s working side by side with biologists, engineers, and production teams to ensure our reagents are robust, reliable, and ready for the real world. You’ll:

• Design and optimise qPCR and RT-qPCR reagents, with a focus on lyophilised and temperature-stable formulations
• Work closely with Integration, Engineering, and Assay teams to ensure reagents perform consistently within the LEX system
• Contribute to the development of new tests and features as our platform evolves
• Collaborate with our Reagent Production and Manufacturing teams to scale up and validate formulations
• Support experimental design, execution, data analysis, and documentation
• Work within an IVD framework, contributing to documentation under ISO13485 and preparing reagents for regulatory compliance
• Help troubleshoot and iterate with flexibility, accuracy, and a team mindset

What we’re looking for

• A PhD or equivalent experience in molecular biology or a related field
• Strong, hands-on experience in molecular biology, including RT/qRT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and quantification
• A solid understanding of reagent formulation, ideally including temperature-stable reagents and lyophilisation
• Experience with experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation
• Excellent communication skills, you can clearly explain your findings and work collaboratively across teams
• A flexible, proactive approach to working in a dynamic, fast-paced R&D environment
• A keen eye for detail and a strong sense of ownership over your work

Nice to have

• Experience working with prototype instruments, microfluidics or integrated biological systems
• Familiarity with ISO13485, ISO9001 or GMP standards
• Previous experience in IVD or regulated diagnostics
• A background in improving sample extraction workflows

We offer a collaborative and ambitious culture, alongside a fantastic benefits package:

• 10% employer pension contribution (+3% employee)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life insurance
• 25 days annual holiday + bank holidays
• Local gym and theatre membership discounts

Who are we and what’s ahead 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, physician offices, labs, and pharmacies, all at a significantly lower cost per test than other molecular platforms.

2025 is a milestone year: we’ve just submitted dual 510(k) and CLIA waiver applications to the U.S. FDA. We are hopeful for approval. That means you’ll be joining just as we gear up for a major product launch a moment that will have a direct, meaningful impact on your future career.

What’s next for LEX?

In December 2023, QuidelOrtho invested in LEX Diagnostics, including an exclusive option to acquire the company following FDA clearance. This strategic partnership means:

• More Resources – From scale-up manufacturing to global distribution
• R&D Focus – You’ll stay close to the science as we expand our menu of tests
• Career Mobility – LEX team members gain access to opportunities across the wider organisation (regulatory, supply chain, sales, clinical, etc.)
• Global Exposure – Our work impacts international markets including the US and EU
• Impact & Stability – Combine start-up innovation with enterprise-level strength
• Development – Access structured training, mentoring, and technical upskilling

We are hopeful for FDA clearance in late 2025 or early 2026, and this will mean transitioning from a nimble start-up, to a globally supported diagnostics leader. Our plans are to do this without losing the curiosity, creativity, and drive that got us here.

Why join LEX?

Because here, your science really matters. You’ll work on visible, vital problems that directly impact diagnostic accuracy, speed, and usability. You’ll be part of a collaborative, cross-functional team that values deep technical expertise and shared progress. And you’ll help shape how reagents power the future of point-of-care testing.

Let your science take centre stage, and help us build the future of diagnostics.

Apply now.