Senior Scientist

ZipRecruiter; London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading molecular diagnostics company in London is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist to lead the design and development of PCR and LAMP-based assays for pathogen detection. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and over 5 years of experience in molecular assay design, with strong skills in primer design, bioinformatics, and a background in regulatory standards. This hands-on lab role requires working on-site 4–5 days a week.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of molecular assay design experience, especially with LAMP and PCR.
• Strong background in primer design and molecular reaction optimisation.
• Experience working to regulatory standards like ISO 13485.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimise LAMP and PCR assays.
• Lead primer design and perform specificity analysis.
• Independently execute experiments from concept to validation.

Skills

Molecular assay design

PCR and LAMP

Primer design

Bioinformatics

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

Job description

Job Description

A well-funded and award-winning molecular diagnostics company is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead the design and development of PCR and LAMP-based assays for pathogen detection. The company has over a dozen assays currently in development and is scaling its team as it expands its product portfolio.

This is a hands-on lab-based role, ideal for an experienced molecular biologist who enjoys experimental design, assay optimisation, and high-impact innovation. You’ll be central to building a new of diagnostics, supported by in-house sequencing and data processing infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimise sensitive LAMP and PCR assays
• Lead primer design, selection, and in silico specificity analysis
• Independently plan and execute structured experiments, from concept to validation
• Process and interpret sequence data (e.g. from platforms like Oxford Nanopore)
• Conduct bioinformatics-driven assay evaluation and troubleshoot design challenges
• Collaborate with junior scientists while remaining hands-on in the lab
• Support QC and reagent prep for regulated diagnostic workflows

About You

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genomics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of molecular assay design experience (especially LAMP and PCR)
• Strong background in primer design, sequence analysis, and molecular reaction optimisation
• Skilled in bioinformatics tools and comfortable with large data sets
• Experience working to regulatory standards (e.g. ISO 13485, IVDR)
• Motivated, organised, and confident presenting experimental data to cross-functional teams
• Comfortable working on-site in a wet lab 4–5 days per week