Senior Reagent Scientist

iGii; Stirling; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days of annual leave

Life insurance

Income protection

Training opportunities

Flexible working hours

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in Stirling is seeking a Senior Reagent Scientist to develop and test innovative reagents for sensor platforms. This role requires a Ph.D. and expertise in reagent development, with a focus on hands-on laboratory skills, documentation, and collaboration. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, including 33 days of annual leave, flexible working hours, and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• A minimum of three years’ post-doctoral or industrial experience.
• Experience in reagent stability testing and cost-performance optimisation.
• Knowledge of biomolecule interactions and purification techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement in-house bioconjugation protocols.
• Analyse bioconjugates and raw materials using analytical techniques.
• Communicate experimental findings through regular team meetings and reports.

Skills

Subject matter expert in reagent development

Excellent hands-on laboratory skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE)

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, or related discipline

Job description

Overview

iGi are seeking a Senior Reagent Scientist to join the Bioassay & Reagents department, working closely with the Sensors & Assay Development team and the wider R&D department. This role focuses on developing and testing reagents for cutting-edge Sensor platforms in a high-growth environment.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced scientist to work with customers conducting research at the forefront of science and technology.

What you will do

• Design and implement in-house bioconjugation protocols tailored to specific assay requirements.
• Analyse bioconjugates and raw materials using analytical techniques to determine purity, yield and functional integrity.
• Develop and optimise immobilisation strategies on our proprietary Gii surface.
• Develop model assays for bioconjugates to assess analyte-binding performance and specificity.
• Communicate experimental findings through regular team meetings and written technical reports.

You will be accountable for the execution of laboratory work in accordance with Good Laboratory and Recording Practice (GLP and GRP), including:

• Routine maintenance, calibration, and performance checks of reagent-related equipment.
• Creating and reviewing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for new equipment and workflows.
• Creating and reviewing COSHH forms for a wide range of materials.
• Formulating solutions for bioconjugation reactions or immobilisation.
• Perform established protocols including gel electrophoresis and plate reader assays.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a subject matter expert in reagent development with a strong foundation in chemistry and biochemistry and practical experience in reagent design and verification.

Essential Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, or a closely related discipline, with a minimum of relevant three years’ post-doctoral or industrial experience
• Alternatively, at least five years of directly relevant industrial experience in reagent development.

You will bring demonstrable experience in:

• The principles and practical considerations underpinning reagents preparation.
• An understanding of biomolecule interactions with solid surfaces, particularly in sensor applications.
• Experience in reagent stability testing and cost-performance optimisation.
• Purification of biomolecules using established techniques.
• Experience with optical detection techniques including fluorescence-based immunoassays.
• In-depth knowledge of biomolecule conjugation.
• Ability to follow complex protocols accurately and contribute to assay development projects.

Alongside subject matter expertise, the following scientific skills are needed for R&D in a commercial context:

• Excellent hands-on laboratory skills with a commitment to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), accurate documentation, and health and safety standards.
• Experience with Design of Experiments (DoE), method development, and optimisation techniques.
• Awareness of IP generation and protection processes; experience contributing to invention disclosures or patent filings is desirable.
• Experience raising, investigating, and closing non-conformances is desirable.
• Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams, as well as independently when required and contribute to internal reviews, external collaborations, or stakeholder meetings.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to author high-quality technical reports and documentation, and present complex data clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

What we offer

This role is offered as a full-time position, with 37.5 hours per week. Please discuss alternative working arrangements if needed.

In addition to a competitive salary focused on growth and development, benefits include 33 days of annual leave (statutory days included), life insurance, income protection, training opportunities, and flexible working hours.

We value community and collaboration, with regular company and team gatherings and recognition of milestones at both team and individual levels.

This role is eligible for sponsorship in the UK, subject to meeting the UK Visa and Immigration criteria.

Where we are

We are based in Stirling, central Scotland. Stirling offers easy access to Edinburgh and Glasgow by public transport and proximity to the Highlands and rural Scotland.

How to apply

If this sounds like the role and company for you, apply by following the link. Interviews are expected to begin from mid-November 2025 with an onboarding date in early Q1 2026. The interview process is described below.

• Stage 1: A remote introductory discussion with hiring managers, typically about 45 minutes. You may optionally present your experience visually.
• Stage 2: If successful in Stage 1, an in-person interview at our Stirling space, including a tour of lab spaces, technical challenges, and a short competency-based questions round. Reasonable adjustments can be made on request.

We will close the application link once we have a ample talent pool. If you need more time to apply, contact [e-mail] and we will try to accommodate your requirements.

The Company

iGiiare a world-class team of technologists, scientists, engineers, and product developers. We produce Gii, our porous, 3D carbon nanostructure with distinctive properties for sensors and related applications.