Reagent Development Scientist

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

Job summary

A leading diagnostics firm in the UK is seeking a Reagent Development Scientist to develop innovative temperature-stable reagents for molecular diagnostics. This hands-on role involves collaboration with various teams to design, optimise, and validate reagents. Candidates should have a PhD in molecular biology and significant lab experience. The company offers a dynamic work environment and a robust benefits package, including private medical insurance and generous holidays.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Life insurance

25 days annual holiday + bank holidays

Local gym and theatre membership discounts

Qualifications

• Strong, hands-on experience in RT/qRT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction, and quantification.
• Experience with experimental design, troubleshooting, and data interpretation.
• Background in improving sample extraction workflows.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimise qPCR and RT-qPCR reagents.
• Work closely with Integration, Engineering, and Assay teams.
• Contribute to the development of new tests and features.

Skills

Hands-on experience in molecular biology

Understanding of reagent formulation

Excellent communication skills

Flexibility and proactivity

Attention to detail

Education

PhD or equivalent experience in molecular biology

Tools

familiarity with ISO13485

experience with prototype instruments

Job description

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At LEX Diagnostics, we’re reinventing PCR for the real world. Our point-of-care system, LEX VELO, delivers ultra-fast molecular diagnostics, and your reagents are at the heart of it.

We’re looking for a Reagent Development Scientist to help develop temperature-stable, lyophilised reagents that perform under pressure, literally and figuratively. You’ll be helping us push PCR beyond the lab and into hospitals, clinics, and emergency settings around the world.

This is a hands on role, perfect for a scientist who thrives in the lab, enjoys complex problem solving, and wants to help build next generation diagnostics in a fast paced, collaborative environment.

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

Requirements

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:

• 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.

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.