Research and Development Group Lead

Singular: Building Brilliant Biotechs; Woking; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Singular: Building Brilliant Biotechs is seeking a Group Lead R&D to steer translational biomarker programs in oncology diagnostics. You will manage day-to-day R&D operations and drive assay development from concept to clinical readiness, reporting to the CSO.

The role combines scientific strategy with hands-on leadership, requiring a track record of building high-performing teams and translating novel biomarkers into robust, clinically deployable assays.

Qualifications

• Experience leading scientists and lab teams in industry.
• Strong background in molecular assay development and NGS.
• Immunofluorescence assay development experience.
• Deep understanding of oncology biomarker programs.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

People leadership

Molecular assay dev

NGS technologies

Immunofluorescence

Oncology biology

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

Title: Group Lead R&D

Location: Guildford (5 days onsite)

Reporting To: Chief Scientific Officer

Leadership: People management responsibility

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.