Senior Development Scientist - Sensors & Assay Development

iGii; Stirling; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Visa sponsorship

Relocation package

Competitive salary and 33 days annual/

Job summary

iGii is seeking a Senior Development Scientist in Stirling, UK to lead electrochemical biosensor R&D and drive next‑generation Gii-based sensors for in‑vitro diagnostics. You will oversee experimental design, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and translate research into commercially viable solutions.

The role requires a PhD (or MSc with strong industry experience) and hands-on experience in biosensor development, regulatory awareness, and team mentorship within an industrial setting.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent with a strong track record in biosensor R&D.
• Hands-on experience with electrochemical biosensors for diagnostics.
• Experience translating research into commercially viable products.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific input into product and process developments to ensure optimum performance as well as client satisfaction
• Design and execute advanced electrochemical experiments, aligning methodologies with project goals and innovation targets
• Develop next-generation Gii-based sensors for in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) applications
• Drive experimental designs to make robust technical decisions
• Design and develop wet assay chemistries and translate their analytical performance into scalable dry assays
• Document experimental work with reproducibility and traceability
• Prepare high-quality technical documentation and reports
• Stay updated with trends in IVD assay development and collaborate across teams
• Mentor other development scientists and support delivery of key assay performance targets

Skills

Electrochemical biosensors

Immunosensors

Enzymatic sensors

Nucleic acid sensors

Experiment design

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Regulatory awareness

Lab leadership

Education

PhD in biology/biochemistry/analytical chemistry

Master’s degree with industry experience

Job description

iGii have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Development Scientist to join the Sensors & Assay Development team, developing High Sensitivity Low-Cost biosensors on our propriety Gii™ technology.

This is an excellent opportunity for a subject matter expert in electrochemical biosensors to join a high-growth environment with a fast-paced and collaborative culture where you will work with some fantastic customers conducting research at the forefront of science and technology.

In this role, the Senior Development Scientist will play a pivotal role in the development of diagnostic assays on our propriety Gii-Sens™ technology and will be working in alignment with the company's innovation roadmap and commercial goals.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a highly motivated and forward-thinking scientist with a strong foundation in electrochemical biosensors and a passion for innovation in diagnostics. As a senior scientist, you will lead by example through significant hands‑on lab work, shaping the direction of our biosensor development while remaining deeply engaged in experimental design and execution.

The ideal candidate will bring not only technical expertise but also a collaborative mindset developed in an industrial setting, and a drive to make meaningful contributions in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications:

Successful candidates will hold a PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (biology, biochemistry, analytical/forensic chemistry etc.,) and/or a master’s degree with significant industry experience.

You will be able to demonstrate through recent industry experience (this could be within a spin‑out, early‑stage, or mature commercially oriented organisation):

• Proven hands‑on experience with electrochemical biosensors particularly in biomedical diagnostics applications. This should include:
  • Immunosensors
  • Enzymatic sensors
  • Nucleic Acid sensors
• Significant experience contributing to R&D projects involving:
  • Biofunctionalisation or assay development
  • Application and evaluation of electrochemical techniques and characterisation relevant to biosensors
  • Innovation and problem‑solving in experimental design and execution
• A track record of translating research into commercially viable products or solutions and delivering projects that meet commercial and regulatory requirements.

Technical and scientific skills required for R&D in a commercial context:

• Strong ability to design, execute and interpret complex experiments with a rigorous and methodical approach.
• Solid understanding of GLP and standard laboratory techniques and practices, and experience working within a regulatory environment.
• Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and contribute to internal reviews or external collaborations.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning, professional development and scientific curiosity.

Additional Desirable Experience

• Familiarity with scaling up processes from laboratory to pilot scale, including supporting commercialisation efforts.
• Awareness of IP generation and protection processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects or mentor junior scientists in an industrial setting.

What you will do

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide scientific input into product and process developments to ensure optimum performance as well as client satisfaction
• Design and execute advanced electrochemical experiments, aligning methodologies with project goals and innovation targets
• Develop next‑generation Gii‑based sensors for in‑vitro diagnostics (IVD) applications
• Drive experimental designs to make robust technical decisions
• Design and develop wet assay chemistries and translate their analytical performance characteristics into scalable dry assays while ensuring analytical performance and reliability
• Document experimental work with precision, maintaining high standards of reproducibility and traceability
• Prepare high‑quality technical documentation including standard operating procedures and reports
• Staying up to date with current trends in IVD assay development through routine review of scientific literature
• Support and mentor other development scientists and the wider team with delivery of key assay performance parameters as defined by goal‑setting process

What we offer

This role is offered as a full‑time position, working hours are 37.5 hours per week onsite at our facility in Euro House, Stirling.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. Visa sponsorship is available, and we can provide a relocation package where needed.

In addition to a competitive salary and 33 days of annual leave (including statutory holidays) we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth. This includes:

• Private medical insurance
• Group life insurance
• Income protection
• Access to mental wellbeing resources and support, including up to six coaching or counselling sessions per year through our wellbeing partner, Oliva
• Training and development opportunities to help grow your career
• Freedom to arrange your schedule around our core working hours (09:30am - 16:00pm), designed to help you perform at your best.

We take great pride in being a social and collaborative organisation. We meet regularly as a Company and as teams, sharing ideas over breakfast or lunch, celebrating achievements, and recognising milestones at a team and individual level.

We are scaling up rapidly and value our culture, you will shape the company’s future innovation capabilities through your ideas and skillset. Join us now and make your mark on both your career and our growth journey.

Where we are

We are based in Stirling in central Scotland, a city with rich historical significance. As well as being historic, Stirling is in a great position for quick access to Edinburgh and Glasgow by public transport. It also has easy to access to the Highlands and rural Scotland.

Apply because you want to:

• Work with a diverse, international team on a challenge that will positively impact the world.
• Join a mission-driven company that’s focused on delivering far better and more sustainable products
• Join a high growth company and put some big wins on your CV wherever you are in your career.
• Surround yourself with very smart, open, curious, and action-oriented people with opportunities to learn at every turn.

What happens next?

We have a range of customers from a variety of backgrounds, industries and locations. Therefore, we are searching for a diverse group of talented individuals who are passionate about what they do to collaborate and produce the best possible work for our consumers.

Our interview process is straightforward and designed to help us get to know each other:

• Introduction call: A remote 45-minute conversation with the hiring team to explore your background and the role.
• Additional assessment: Where it adds value, we may use a trusted third-party partner to run a tailored skills or behavioural assessment that offers deeper insight for both sides aligned to the role.
• Optional on‑site visit: You may be invited to our Stirling office so you can get a feel for the team and working environment.

We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments required to the interview process, please let us know upon application any requirements.

The Company

iGii are a world-class team of technologists, scientists, engineers, product developers. We produce Gii, an advanced 3D carbon nanomaterial transforming electrochemical sensing.

Engineered as a pure, porous, 3D carbon nanostructure, Gii provides exceptional electrochemical performance, enhanced sensitivity, and long‑term stability, making it the ideal material for next‑generation sensing applications. The novel properties of Gii also allow it to be incorporated into devices across a range of sectors, from automotive to electronics. We’ve previously used Gii as a component in heating elements, thermocouple, electrodes and EMI shields.