Scientist Assay Development

PicturaBio; Packmoor; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotech start-up in Packmoor seeks a laboratory scientist to develop and validate innovative diagnostic assays. This role involves optimising fluorescence techniques, designing experiments, and maintaining rigorous quality standards. Candidates should hold a degree in Biophysics or a related field, with hands-on lab experience and familiarity with quality systems. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential. Join a dynamic team focusing on rapid pathogen detection for clinical diagnostics.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience in assay development or bioanalytical testing.
• Practical experience with fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience working under a Quality Management System.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory experiments for assay development.
• Optimise fluorescence labelling protocols.
• Conduct fluorescence microscopy imaging.
• Analyse experimental data and contribute to assay performance.

Skills

Experimental and practical laboratory skills

Understanding of assay development principles

Fluorescence labelling familiarity

Attention to detail

Data analysis and reporting

Education

BSc or MSc in relevant discipline

PhD desirable

Tools

Fluorescence microscopy

Image analysis software

Job description

Pictura Bio is a well‑funded University of Oxford spin‑out developing a novel diagnostic platform for rapid pathogen detection. Our technology combines fluorescence microscopy with automated image analysis and machine learning to identify pathogens in seconds. The platform is being translated into clinical diagnostic products, initially focused on respiratory infections, with broader applications across infectious disease.

Role Purpose

You will play a hands‑on role in the development, optimisation, and validation of the Pictura Bio assay. Working closely with assay development, imaging, and data science teams, you will support the transition of a research‑stage assay into a robust, reproducible diagnostic workflow. This role is fully on‑site and laboratory‑based, and is suited to a scientist with strong experimental skills, experience in fluorescence microscopy, and an understanding of working within a quality‑managed environment. You will be expected to generate high‑quality experimental data, document work rigorously, and contribute to assay robustness, reproducibility, and performance verification.

Major Accountabilities

• Design, execute, and document laboratory experiments supporting assay development
• Optimise fluorescence labelling protocols for viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens
• Perform fluorescence microscopy imaging using standardised protocols
• Support development and refinement of imaging workflows (sample prep, imaging parameters)
• Analyse experimental data and contribute to interpretation of assay performance
• Verify and validate assay performance (e.g. repeatability, sensitivity, specificity, robustness)
• Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records in line with quality requirements
• Contribute to SOPs, protocols, and technical documentation
• Work in accordance with company quality systems, policies, and procedures
• Collaborate closely with assay, imaging, and software teams to support end‑to‑end assay development
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role and level

Ideal Background

Education

• BSc or MSc in a relevant discipline (e.g. Biophysics, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering)
• PhD desirable but not essential

Experience

• Hands‑on laboratory experience in assay development or bioanalytical testing
• Practical experience with fluorescence microscopy (widefield, epifluorescence, TIRF, or confocal)
• Experience working under a Quality Management System (e.g. ISO 13485, ISO 15189, GLP, GxP, or similar)
• Experience in an industrial, translational, or regulated laboratory environment is highly desirable

Skills

• Strong experimental and practical laboratory skills
• Good understanding of assay development principles and experimental controls
• Familiarity with fluorescence labelling and sample preparation
• Ability to follow and improve SOPs and experimental protocols
• Strong attention to detail and excellent record‑keeping
• Comfortable analysing data and reporting results clearly
• Familiarity with image analysis software is an advantage
• Basic Python or data analysis skills are beneficial but not essential

Personal Attributes

• Methodical, careful, and data/quality‑driven
• Comfortable working in a fast‑moving, early‑stage company
• Willing to challenge results constructively and troubleshoot experiments
• Collaborative and communicative