Scientist

Singular: Building Brilliant Biotechs; Woking; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Guildford Diagnostics Co. is seeking an early-career Scientist I in Molecular Assay Development to design, optimise, and validate DNA/RNA assays. This lab-based role offers hands-on work with PCR, qPCR, dPCR and NGS, and exposure to the full assay development lifecycle.

You will work on a Guildford site (5 days onsite) with MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology and 1–2 years in assay development or diagnostics. The role emphasises practical execution, rigorous validation, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology or related field.
• 1–2 years’ experience in molecular assay development or diagnostics.
• Hands-on expertise in PCR, NGS and/or digital PCR.

Responsibilities

• Execute molecular biology workflows including PCR, qPCR, dPCR, and NGS.
• Design and optimise molecular assays for sensitivity and reproducibility.
• Perform analytical validation (LoD, specificity, precision, linearity).

Skills

PCR

NGS

digital PCR

qPCR

Education

MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology

Job description

Scientist I (Molecular Assay Development)

You are an early-career molecular biologist with strong hands‑on experience in PCR, NGS, or digital PCR. You enjoy building assays, optimising workflows, and working with complex biological samples.

We are partnered with a Guildford‑based diagnostics company developing advanced molecular and multi‑omic assays to detect rare cancer signals. Their work sits at the forefront of liquid biopsy and translational diagnostics, integrating cutting‑edge biology with a regulated development pathway.

As Scientist I – Molecular Assay Development, you will play an active role in designing, optimising, and validating DNA/RNA‑based assays. This is a highly practical, lab‑based role with real ownership and exposure to the full assay development lifecycle.

Key responsibilities:

• Execute molecular biology workflows including PCR, qPCR, dPCR, and NGS
• Design and optimise molecular assays for sensitivity and reproducibility
• Perform analytical validation (LoD, specificity, precision, linearity)

About you:

• MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology or related discipline
• 1–2 years’ experience in molecular assay development or diagnostics
• Hands‑on expertise in PCR, NGS and/or digital PCR

Location: Guildford (5 days onsite)

Level: Scientist I