Senior Lab Scientist (Ligand-binding Assays)

Synexa Life Sciences (Pty) Ltd.; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bioanalytical CRO is seeking an experienced LBA technician in Macclesfield. This hands-on role focuses on providing technical oversight and mentoring in immunoassay workflows. Candidates should have over 8 years of relevant experience, including assay troubleshooting and a strong understanding of regulatory practices. Immediate availability is preferred for this temporary assignment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years hands-on experience in regulated bioanalytical labs.
• Experience in assay troubleshooting and method transfer.
• Practical knowledge of GLP, GCP, ISO 17025 or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and support for immunoassay workflows.
• Conduct rapid technical audits of the immunoassay lab.
• Troubleshoot assays and implement root-cause fixes.
• Lead assay transfers and re-establish performance.
• Improve data integrity practices and documentation.

Skills

Technical leadership

Hands-on support

Assay troubleshooting

Quality control

Mentoring

Rapid problem resolution

Education

Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related

Tools

ELISA

MSD

Job description

Job Purpose

We’re looking for an experienced LBA technician to provide short-term technical oversight, independent observation, and rapid improvement of an immunoassay laboratory at a bioanalytical CRO. This is a hands-on, senior technical role: you will assess current operations and assays, troubleshoot and stabilise critical workflows, mentor bench staff, and deliver concrete, documented process and quality improvements that support timely study delivery in a regulated environment.
This is a temporary, purpose-driven assignment: you will be expected to diagnose key pain points quickly and leave the lab in a measurably stronger position (better protocols, fewer deviations, clearer training, and improved assay performance).

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Provide technical leadership, mentorship and direct hands-on support for immunoassay workflows (development, validation, sample analysis, troubleshooting).
• Conduct a rapid technical audit of the immunoassay lab: workflows, SOPs, assay performance, QC/acceptance criteria, equipment, reagent inventory, and staff competencies. Produce a prioritized corrective/improvement plan and present findings to management.
• Troubleshoot failing assays and analytical variabilities (e.g., high background, matrix effects, poor precision/accuracy) and implement root-cause fixes.
• Lead assay transfers and re-establish performance for critical assays where needed.
• Implement or refine process controls, in-process checks, calibration and maintenance routines for key instruments (absorbance readers, MSD, plate washers etc.)
• Improve data integrity practices and documentation (raw data handling, audit trails, bench notes etc.).
• Coach and train bench staff on best practices, assay troubleshooting, and assay documentation expectations.
• Support study timelines by providing senior bench resource when critical assays are high priority.
• Escalate and communicate risks, status, and mitigation plans to lab management as required.
  

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related life-science field (BSc minimum; MSc preferred).
• 8+ years direct hands-on experience developing, validating and running ligand-binding immunoassays (ELISA, MSD or similar) in a regulated bioanalytical environment (CRO/pharma).
• Demonstrated experience in assay troubleshooting, method transfer, and rapid problem resolution.
• Practical knowledge of regulatory and quality requirements (GLP, GCP, ISO 17025 or equivalent).
• Strong data integrity and documentation practice (electronic and paper records).
• Proven ability to write clear technical reports, SOPs and validation/verification summaries.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; experience training and mentoring junior staff.
• Ability to work onsite full-time during the contract period and to start quickly.
  

Competencies & soft skills

• Rapid diagnostic thinking — able to triage assays/issues quickly and propose pragmatic fixes.
• Clear communicator — able to present technical findings to management and clients.
• Collaborative and coaching orientation — can teach others without creating dependency.
• Meticulous attention to detail in documentation and data handling.
• Calm under pressure and focused on delivering measurable outcomes in a compressed timeframe.
  

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CV/RESUME IS SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH.