Senior Research Scientist

Origin Sciences; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company based in Cambridge seeks a Senior Research Scientist to specialize in developing innovative diagnostic devices for colorectal cancer. The role requires a strong background in molecular diagnostics, including PCR and NGS technologies. Candidates should have an honours degree, with MSc/PhD preferred. The position emphasizes high attention to detail, project management, and collaboration in a regulated laboratory environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in molecular diagnostics and cancer genetics.
• Practical knowledge of biomarker discovery and assay optimization.
• Extensive relevant laboratory experience accepted.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory processes and developments focused on molecular biology and NGS.
• Develop and optimize laboratory processes for molecular diagnostics assays.
• Perform nucleic acid extraction and store biobank clinical samples.

Skills

Molecular diagnostics

Biomarker validation

PCR-based assays

NGS technologies

Project management

Attention to detail

Quality focus

Education

Honours degree in biological sciences

Education to MSc/PhD level

Job description

Overview

Origin Sciences is a start-up biotechnology company based in Granta Park, south of Cambridge. We develop our own innovative medical devices, which we use in clinical trials to collect a biobank of mucus-based biospecimens. This biobank provides a valuable source of clinical material that is used for fundamental research, method/technology development and the creation of diagnostic assays.

Currently, our diagnostic development programs primary focus is the detection of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) and pre-cancerous lesions. Our motivation is to streamline the colorectal cancer detection pathway, enabling healthcare systems to focus on those patients with serious pathologies, ultimately reducing waiting times, enabling earlier detection, and minimising unnecessary investigations performed on healthy patients.

The role

The role: Origin Sciences is a medical technology company that develops innovative devices and IVD tests to aid in the detection and diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases. Our current focus is on the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The Senior Research Scientist is an experienced laboratory scientist in the field of life sciences, with a proven track record in molecular diagnostics, biomarker validation, PCR-based assays, NGS technologies and cancer genetics.

Requirements

Requirements The Senior Research Scientist will support and lead laboratory processes and developments, with a particular focus on molecular biology and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), as such a proven track record of PCR and NGS is essential. An honours degree in biological sciences, biomedical sciences, biochemistry or equivalent is required in addition to; practical knowledge of biomarker discovery, assay optimization, immunological techniques and working with clinical samples. Education to MSc/PhD level would be preferred, but extensive relevant laboratory experience is also acceptable for the role.

This position is part of the Development Team working to deliver a molecular diagnostics assay with associated NGS technologies. The Senior Research Scientist will work to develop and optimise laboratory processes and participate in the design and implementation of research and development programs. This position requires high attention to detail, the ability to critically assess data, to work to SOPs and a strong focus on quality and reproducibility. Skilled project and time management and the capacity to work well individually or as part of a team are essential.

Additionally, the Senior Scientist will have the opportunity to work in the commercial area of the scientific process; scoping technologies, providers, forging commercial alliances and participating in the delivery of appropriate documentation for notified body submission.

The specific duties of a Senior Research Scientist are

• Perform nucleic acid extraction and store biobank clinical samples
• Lead the development and testing of new detection technologies
• Liaise with the clinical trial teams to coordinate clinical sample deliveries
• Complete stability, performance, and validation assays, followed by analysis and reporting
• Design, develop and test assays for use in product development
• Work towards the goals of collaborative projects with external partners
• Be accountable for the time, cost, and quality of agreed deliverables
• Provide updates on the progress, risks, and opportunities of the agreed deliverables
• Working in a regulated environment, e.g. Good Laboratory Practice or other GxP
• Assessments of related diagnostic technologies and products
• Contribute to scientific communication, peer reviewed publications, leaflets and poster
• To ensure projects are carried out in accordance with Origin's Quality Systems and Regulatory Standards