Senior Scientist - Technical Operations (Root Cause Investigations)

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics; Bridgend; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diagnostics company based in South Wales is seeking a Senior Scientist for Technical Operations. The role involves technical leadership on investigations, ensuring high-quality operations, and driving continuous improvement in immunoassay projects. Ideal candidates have a relevant degree, strong leadership capabilities, and excellent lab skills. The position offers competitive compensation and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Yearly Salary Reviews

Attractive Pension Scheme

Bonus Scheme

Life Assurance

Private Medical

LinkedIn Learning

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free Onsite Gym

Subsidised Canteen

25 days Holidays + 1 QuidelOrtho Day + 8 Bank Holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven understanding of immunoassay from industry experience.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teams.
• Excellent situational adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex technical projects and root cause investigations.
• Manage day-to-day investigations and chair meetings.
• Perform hands-on lab operations adhering to GLP and EHS standards.

Skills

Leadership capability

Data manipulation and analysis

Excellent laboratory practical skills

Problem-solving

Team player

Education

Degree in a relevant Scientific discipline

PhD or similar qualification

Tools

Lab equipment (pipettes, balances, analytical instruments)

Job description

Senior Scientist - Technical Operations (Root Cause Investigations)

Overview

The Opportunity

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most – home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthy future for all.

Your new role

Senior Scientist - Technical Operations (Root Cause Investigations)

About QuidelOrtho, Pencoed

QuidelOrtho has been manufacturing products in South Wales for over 40 years. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, based in Pencoed, employs over 600 people who are involved in the manufacture and supply of clinical laboratory and immunohematology products to sites across the globe.

Our Pencoed team manufacture a large menu of immunohematology products used in transfusion medicine; in addition to a large menu of immunoassay products encompassing a range of disease categories.

On site we have a range of functions operating globally & locally. All our employees are working towards one common goal, to help save and improve lives through diagnostics.

Your new role

As a Senior Scientist, reporting to the RCI Lead, you will drive the technical oversight of significant investigations and projects essential for continuous manufacturing and successful new product introductions. Your expertise will be critical in maintaining high-quality operations and delivering robust, data-driven solutions.

What You’ll Be Doing:

You will be the technical leader for projects of moderate to occasionally high impact, involving cross-functional and sometimes cross-site collaboration. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Technical Project Leadership: Provide day-to-day leadership for complex technical projects, root cause investigations (RCIs), non-conformances, and restock activities, ensuring uninterrupted production or smooth transitions for new products.
• Investigation Ownership: Fully own the day-to-day management of investigations, including chairing cross-functional meetings, assigning actions, and overseeing quality documentation such as change notices.
• Hands-On Laboratory Work: Competently undertake practical IA (Immunoassay) lab operations for your own projects and to support the wider team, adhering strictly to GLP, GDP, and EHS standards.
• Data Analysis & Communication: Perform accurate interpretation, analysis, and documentation of scientific data. You will provide clear, data-extracted conclusions and recommendations in both written and oral forms, often representing the technical team in global cross-functional settings.
• Mentorship & Guidance: Offer technical leadership and guidance to junior team members, advising on test design, report quality, and daily activities.
• Quality & Improvement: Ensure the integrity and quality of all supporting documentation and quality records. Apply and champion the DMAIC problem-solving and change control processes, driving continuous improvement within the group to provide excellent customer service.
• Travel: Predominantly site-based; rare travel associated with specific projects.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Degree in a relevant Scientific discipline, or equivalent experience. A PhD or similar qualification is highly desirable.
• Proven understanding of immunoassay gained from industry experience.
• Demonstrated leadership capability and a track record of successfully leading or significantly contributing to cross-functional teams within a regulated operational or technical environment.
• Knowledge of Operations/Manufacturing processes and experience participating in external audits.
• Excellent laboratory practical skills and competence with lab equipment (pipettes, balances, analytical instruments).
• Assumes and drives accountability, promoting a positive, results-focused attitude.
• Proficiency in data manipulation and analysis, with the ability to interpret and draw sound conclusions from scientific data.
• Decisive, credible, and persuasive with a strong customer-focused mindset.
• Strong understanding of immunoassay principles.
• Continuous improvement driven with knowledge of Lean and Process Excellence (PEx) skills.
• Computer literate and meticulous in accurate experimental work recording.
• Team player who instils trust and maintains calm in a crisis; highly motivated.
• Excellent situational adaptability and ability to quickly assimilate and comprehend complex issues.
• Proven track record of project implementation and validation of changes
• Travel: Predominantly site-based; rare travel associated with specific projects.

What we offer

• Competitive Salary
• Yearly Salary Reviews
• Attractive Pension Scheme
• Bonus Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical (If applicable)
• LinkedIn Learning
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free Onsite Gym
• Subsidised Canteen
• 25 days Holidays + 1 QuidelOrtho Day + 8 Bank Holidays (Milestone Increases Available)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Reward & Recognition Programmes
• State-Of-The-Art facilities
• Exceptional career developmental prospects
• Strong culture centred around collaboration & customer focus.

Equal Opportunity

QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform the duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail].