Research and Development Group Lead

Singular: Building Brilliant Biotechs; Guildford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Group Lead R&D (Associate Director Level) in Guildford leads translational biomarker programs and oversees biomarker assay development, with a focus on oncology diagnostics. This role combines scientific strategy, lab management, and cross-functional collaboration with commercial and quality teams to drive clinical translation.

You will mentor scientists, shape experimental plans, and ensure robust validation of novel assays from concept to clinical deployment, reporting to the CSO in a dynamic

Qualifications

• Experience leading scientists and laboratory operations in industry.
• Strong background in molecular assay development and NGS.
• Advanced experience with immunofluorescence assay development.
• Solid understanding of oncology biology and biomarker development.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists and laboratory staff.
• Oversee NGS-based assay development programmes and translational biomarker initiatives.
• Provide technical oversight across immunofluorescence and imaging-based assay development.
• Define scientific strategy and R&D priorities aligned with business objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Molecular assay development

NGS technologies

Immunofluorescence assay development

Tools

NGS platforms

Job description

Group Lead R&D | Translational Biomarkers | Oncology Diagnostics | Guildford

You are an experienced scientific leader with a track record of building and leading high-performing R&D teams.

You are looking for a role where you can influence scientific strategy, mentor scientists, work cross-functionally with commercial and quality teams, and drive innovation from concept through to clinical implementation.

THE COMPANY

Our client, is a precision oncology company developing advanced liquid biopsy and biomarker technologies that support translational research, pharmaceutical partnerships, and clinical diagnostics. The organisation operates at the cutting edge of rare-cell analysis, molecular profiling, and imaging-based diagnostics, helping advance personalised cancer care.

THE ROLE

As Group Lead R&D (Associate Director Level), you will provide both scientific and operational leadership across the R&D laboratories, managing day-to-day activities while driving the development and validation of novel biomarker assays.

This is a highly visible leadership role reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, combining scientific strategy, laboratory management, assay development, and team leadership. You will be responsible for ensuring the successful translation of innovative oncology biomarkers into robust, clinically relevant assays suitable for commercial and diagnostic deployment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of scientists and laboratory staff
• Lead NGS-based assay development programmes and translational biomarker initiatives
• Provide technical oversight across immunofluorescence and imaging-based assay development
• Define scientific strategy and R&D priorities aligned with business objectives

ABOUT YOU

You will likely bring:

• Proven experience leading scientists and laboratory operations within industry
• Strong background in molecular assay development, particularly NGS technologies
• Advanced experience with immunofluorescence assay development and optimisation
• Strong understanding of oncology biology and cancer biomarker development

LOGISTICS

Location: Guildford (5 days onsite)

Reporting To: Chief Scientific Officer

Sector: Oncology Diagnostics / Precision Medicine / Liquid Biopsy

If you're excited by the opportunity to lead a talented scientific team while developing the next generation of oncology biomarker assays, we'd love to hear from you.