Senior Scientist – Imaging Assay Development

Singular : Building Brilliant Biotechs; Guildford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life sciences organisation in Guildford is seeking a Senior Scientist focused on Imaging Assay Development to lead the design, optimisation, and validation of advanced imaging assays. Candidates should hold a PhD in relevant fields and have a strong background in developing assays in oncology. The role encompasses project management within regulated environments, ensuring high-quality, compliant deliverables. This position offers a chance to make substantial contributions to cancer diagnostics through innovative imaging techniques.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, or related discipline.
• At least 3 years' industry experience in imaging assay development.
• Expertise in immunofluorescence and FISH assay development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, optimisation, and validation of imaging assays.
• Manage imaging assay projects within regulated quality systems.
• Remain hands-on at the bench to troubleshoot assays.

Skills

Immunofluorescence

FISH assay development

Project management

Troubleshooting assays

Education

PhD in Biomedical Sciences or related field

Job description

Senior Scientist – Imaging Assay Development

Are you an experienced imaging scientist with a passion for developing and validating cutting-edge assays in oncology? This role offers the opportunity to lead advanced imaging assay development that directly underpins clinical and diagnostic innovation.

THE COMPANY

This innovative life sciences organisation operates at the forefront of cancer diagnostics, developing advanced imaging-based assays to enable highly sensitive detection and characterisation of rare cancer cells from patient samples. Working with pharmaceutical and biotech partners globally, the company combines deep scientific expertise with a regulated, clinical-grade delivery environment to support translational research and diagnostic development.

Based at a state-of-the-art site in Guildford, the team brings together scientists, clinicians, and technologists focused on delivering robust, validated solutions that make a real impact on patient outcomes.

THE ROLE

As Senior Scientist – Imaging Assay Development, you will lead the development, optimisation, and validation of advanced fluorescence and multiplex imaging assays for rare biological samples. This is a senior, hands‑on role combining scientific leadership, project ownership, and regulatory rigour.

You will act as a project lead on key assay development programmes, establishing new methodologies, defining performance criteria, and ensuring all work meets clinical and quality standards. Working across multidisciplinary teams, you’ll help translate novel imaging approaches into robust, compliant assays ready for clinical and commercial use.

Key responsibilities

• Leading the design, optimisation, and validation of imaging assays (e.g. immunofluorescence, FISH, multiplex panels) for rare cell and low‑abundance samples.
• Managing imaging assay development projects within regulated quality systems (ISO13485 / ISO15189), ensuring on‑time, on‑budget delivery.
• Remaining hands‑on at the bench as required to troubleshoot assays and support delivery.

ABOUT YOU

• A PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years’ industry experience developing and validating imaging assays in oncology or related biomedical fields.
• Deep expertise in immunofluorescence and / or FISH assay development, including antibody / probe selection, optimisation, and signal-to-noise control.

LOGISTICS

• Location : Guildford (on-site, office hours)
• Contract : Permanent, full-time (5 days per week)

If you’re motivated by building rigorous, clinically meaningful imaging assays and want to play a leading role in advancing cancer diagnostics, apply now!

I look forward to speaking with you.