Senior Scientist - Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS)

vwr; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Job summary

Avantor in Cambridge seeks a Senior Scientist in Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS) to lead activities in histopathology, IHC, assay development and digital pathology. This 12-month contract role sits in a CAP/CLIA‑accredited lab and offers scientific leadership across development, validation and operationalisation of diagnostic solutions.

You will drive study design, performance characterization, quality culture, and regulatory compliance while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to

Qualifications

• BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years in diagnostic histopathology/IHC labs.
• Experience with CAP/CLIA, ISO15189, HTA or GCP environments.
• Proven project leadership and data integrity focus.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership and day-to-day operational oversight of lab activities.
• Lead assay development, optimisation, verification and validation.
• Design control and validation programmes; manage projects and timelines.
• Develop sample preparation workflows including microtomy of human tissues.
• Maintain and troubleshoot automated histology/IHC platforms (Ventana/Leica/Dako).
• Ensure CAP/CLIA, ISO and regulatory compliance; manage data in LIMS.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

BSc Biomedical Science

HCPC registration

Tools

LIMS

Ventana

Leica

Dako

Job description

The Opportunity

Location: Cambridge

Contract: 12-month contract

About the Role

We are recruiting a Senior Scientist - Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS) to join our client's highly regulated, CAP/CLIA-accredited laboratory environment in Cambridge. This is a senior, hands-on laboratory role embedded within AstraZeneca's Precision Diagnostics Development (PDD) group, supporting the development, optimisation, validation and operationalisation of cutting-edge diagnostic solutions. Working within a collaborative scientific environment, you will provide scientific leadership and operational oversight across histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), assay development, validation, and digital/computational pathology workflows . You will play a key role in ensuring laboratory quality, regulatory compliance and the successful delivery of diagnostic development programmes that contribute directly to precision medicine and improved patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership and day-to-day operational oversight of laboratory activities
• Independently perform and supervise technical laboratory work in accordance with SOPs and quality standards
• Lead assay development, optimisation, characterisation, verification and validation activities
• Act as Project Lead for design control and assay validation programmes
• Design and execute studies to establish assay performance characteristics including sensitivity, specificity, precision and linearity
• Analyse experimental data using statistical approaches and design of experiments (DOE) methodologies
• Develop and optimise sample preparation workflows, including microtomy across a range of human tissue types
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot automated histology and IHC platforms including Ventana, Leica and Dako systems
• Support and oversee digital pathology workflows including image scanning, quality control and issue resolution
• Ensure compliance with CAP/CLIA, ISO, HTA, GCP and other applicable regulatory frameworks
• Support quality management activities including design controls, supplier controls, change controls, risk management and CAPA processes
• Manage laboratory data and documentation using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Collaborate closely with scientists, project managers and cross-functional stakeholders to communicate findings and project progress effectively
• Support staff training and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory

About You

Essential

• BSc degree (or equivalent experience) in Biomedical Science, Pathology, Molecular Biology or a related scientific discipline
• Minimum 5 years' experience within a diagnostic histopathology and/or immunohistochemistry laboratory
• Proven experience performing microtomy and handling a wide range of human tissue samples
• Strong understanding of immunohistochemistry and its application within diagnostics and patient care
• Experience working within regulated laboratory environments such as CAP/CLIA, ISO15189, HTA or GCP
• Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, prioritise workloads and work effectively within matrix teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong commitment to quality, compliance and data integrity

Desirable

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
• Experience in diagnostic product development, design controls and analytical validation
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining automated IHC and histology platforms (e.g. Ventana BenchMark, Leica BOND RX, Dako Omnis, Leica Spectra ST)
• Experience leading assay development and optimisation projects
• Experience within CAP/CLIA or ISO15189 accredited diagnostic laboratories
• Experience with digital pathology, whole-slide imaging and image quality control
• Interest in advancing computational pathology and innovative diagnostic technologies

Why Join AVANTOR?

• Contribute to cutting-edge precision diagnostics and translational research programmes
• Take ownership of scientifically complex and high-impact projects
• Work alongside world-leading scientists and diagnostics experts
• Develop expertise across diagnostics, assay validation, digital pathology and regulated laboratory operations
• Join a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement and scientific excellence

Benefits Package

• 25 days annual leave, plus an additional day off for your birthday
• Competitive pension scheme
• Private healthcare
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.