Senior Scientist – Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS) Job in Cambridge, UK

Frontier Perspectives; Cambridge; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday day off

Training & development opportunities

25 days annual leave

Job summary

Avantor is seeking a Senior Scientist in Cambridge to lead diagnostic laboratory sciences within a CAP/CLIA-regulated environment. The role focuses on histopathology, IHC, assay development, and digital pathology, with a 12-month contract tied to AstraZeneca's PDD group, offering opportunities in translational research and regulatory-compliant workflows.

The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership, oversee laboratory operations, and drive validation, documentation, and quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in Biomedical Science, Pathology, Molecular Biology or related field.
• 5+ years in diagnostic histopathology or IHC laboratory.
• Experience with microtomy and handling of human tissue samples.
• Strong knowledge of IHC applications in diagnostic testing and patient care.
• Experience in regulated environments (CAP/CLIA, ISO 15189, HTA or GCP).
• Experience using LIMS.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership and day-to-day oversight of laboratory activities.
• Perform and supervise procedures per SOPs and quality requirements.
• Lead assay development, optimisation, verification and validation.
• Manage design control and assay validation projects.
• Design and conduct studies to evaluate assay performance parameters.
• Analyse data using statistics and DOE principles.
• Support digital pathology workflows and whole-slide imaging.
• Ensure CAP/CLIA compliance and quality management.
• Collaborate with teams and communicate progress.
• Train staff and contribute to continuous improvement.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

IHC expertise

Project management

CAP/CLIA experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science or related

Tools

LIMS

Digital pathology platforms

Job description

Senior Scientist – Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS) Job in Cambridge, UK

Avantor

Location Cambridge, United Kingdom

Country United Kingdom

Application deadline Deadline Not Specified.

Job Overview

Avantor is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist – Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS) to join a highly regulated, CAP/CLIA-accredited laboratory environment in Cambridge, United Kingdom. This full-time, 12-month contract opportunity is associated with AstraZeneca's Precision Diagnostics Development (PDD) group and focuses on advancing diagnostic technologies, assay development, and precision medicine.

The successful candidate will provide scientific leadership and hands‑on laboratory expertise across diagnostic histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), assay development and validation, and digital pathology workflows. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative diagnostic solutions, translational research, and the development of technologies that support improved patient outcomes.

Candidates with substantial experience in diagnostic histopathology, human tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, laboratory quality management, and regulated diagnostic testing are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Scientist – Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences will be responsible for:

Providing scientific leadership and day‑to‑day operational oversight of laboratory activities.

Performing and supervising laboratory procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality requirements.

Leading assay development, optimisation, characterisation, verification, and validation.

Managing design control and assay validation projects.

Designing and conducting studies to evaluate assay sensitivity, specificity, precision, and linearity.

Analysing experimental data using statistical methods and Design of Experiments (DOE).

Developing and optimising sample preparation procedures, including microtomy of different human tissue types.

Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting automated histology and immunohistochemistry platforms, including Ventana, Leica, and Dako systems.

Supporting digital pathology workflows, whole-slide imaging, image quality control, and troubleshooting.

Ensuring compliance with CAP/CLIA, ISO, Human Tissue Authority (HTA), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and other applicable regulatory requirements.

Supporting quality management systems, including design controls, supplier controls, change controls, risk management, and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).

Managing laboratory information and documentation using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Collaborating with scientists, project managers, and cross‑functional teams to communicate findings and project progress.

Training laboratory staff and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Biomedical Science, Pathology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific discipline.

At least 5 years of experience in a diagnostic histopathology and/or immunohistochemistry laboratory.

Practical experience in microtomy and the handling of a wide range of human tissue samples.

Strong knowledge of immunohistochemistry and its applications in diagnostic testing and patient care.

Experience working in regulated laboratory environments, such as CAP/CLIA-accredited laboratories or facilities operating under ISO 15189, HTA, or GCP frameworks.

Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Demonstrated project management, workload prioritisation, and teamwork skills.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

A strong commitment to laboratory quality, regulatory compliance, and data integrity.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

Preference may be given to candidates with:

HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist.

Experience in diagnostic product development, design controls, and analytical assay validation.

Hands‑on experience with automated histology and IHC platforms, including Ventana BenchMark, Leica BOND RX, Dako Omnis, and Leica Spectra ST.

Experience leading assay development and optimisation projects.

Previous employment in CAP/CLIA- or ISO 15189-accredited diagnostic laboratories.

Knowledge of digital pathology, whole-slide imaging, and image quality assurance.

An interest in computational pathology and emerging diagnostic technologies.

Salary and Employee Benefits

The original vacancy does not specify a salary. However, the advertised benefits package includes:

25 days of annual leave.

An additional day off for your birthday.

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Why Join Avantor?

This opportunity allows experienced laboratory scientists to contribute to advanced diagnostic research and precision medicine initiatives. The successful candidate will work alongside scientists and diagnostics specialists on scientifically complex projects while developing expertise in assay validation, digital pathology, and regulated laboratory operations.

Avantor promotes a collaborative and inclusive working environment focused on scientific innovation, continuous improvement, professional development, and advancing life‑changing science.

Avantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. The company states that it does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of protected characteristics under applicable laws.

For reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, applicants can contact [e-mail] . Additional information about personal data handling is available through Avantor's official Privacy Policy .