Validation Scientist

Lightcast; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative bio-tools company is seeking a Validation Scientist to join their dynamic Science team. In this hands-on role, you will contribute to the development and validation of cutting-edge products and application kits. Your expertise will help ensure the compatibility and standardization of assays for the Single Cell Discovery Platform. You will work closely with interdisciplinary teams, driving projects and implementing improvements based on validation results. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking organization that is pushing the boundaries of cell analysis and scientific innovation.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus Public Holidays

Flexible working hours

Pension contribution matched up to 7%

Private medical insurance

Income protection

Life insurance

Subsidized gym membership

Access to Cycle to Work scheme

Enhanced family leave policies

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in product development, ideally in bio-tools.
• Technical hands-on experience in optics and microfluidics is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute method development for instruments and processes.
• Generate robust data sets to validate assays and maintain documentation.

Skills

Product Development

Assay Development

Microfluidics

Optics

Software Testing

Problem-Solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

MSc in Bioengineering

PhD in Bioengineering

Tools

Microscopy Systems

Job description

Our mission is to push the boundaries of complex cell analysis. Using the Lightcast platform we are working with major pharmaceutical companies and leading academic institutes. Together, using our next generation microfluidic platform, we are making advances towards new science, unique clinical approaches, new therapies, and innovative products.

The Lightcast platform allows precise and highly flexible independent control of thousands of microdroplets independently and in parallel using software-generated light patterns. By combining droplets containing different cells, antibodies, cancer drugs, reporters and /or other reagents we can perform complex workflows and assays with a flexibility far beyond what is currently possible on any cell analysis platform.

About the role

Lightcast is currently in advanced stages of development of a highly innovative bio-tools instrument, preparing for launch in 2025. We are expanding our Science team responsible for the development of molecular, biochemistry and cell-based assays based on our core technology. We are seeking a Validation Scientist help us build and validate our products and Application kits. This role will be a hands-on laboratory based.

Using your knowledge and experience, you'll be developing our systems in our lab facilities, helping to build up the Application, ensuring that the assays and the protocols are compatible and standardised for our Single Cell Discovery Platform. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the role:

Key Responsibilities:

• Designs and executes method development/validation for instruments, equipment, and processes
• Understands regulatory trends in industry and able to make connection between those trends and established corporate direction
• Contribute assay development expertise to multiple project teams
• Generate robust and complete data sets to validate the Assays
• Design of test methods and test strategies, development and execution of formal protocols, analysis and interpretation of results, and communication of results and their impact through written reports, design reviews, and interactive discussions
• Performing routine and specialized testing and calibration of instruments and equipment
• Maintaining detailed documentation of validation activities, results, and procedures
• Investigating and resolving any deviations or failures in equipment or processes
• Identifying and implementing improvements to equipment and processes based on validation results
• Working effectively with other departments, such as Software, Microfluidics, Engineering, and Manufacturing to ensure the system design meets technical, customer, and regulatory requirements
  
  

Required Skills and Qualifications:

We would expect you to have:

• MSc (PhD for Senior Scientist) in Bioengineering, Biophysics, Physics or a closely related discipline or equivalent experience in the Industry
• 3 –5 years' experience in product development (ideally bio-tools development)
• Strong interest in hands-on work in early and later stage prototype testing of both instrument and cartridge
• Experience of planning, coordination and driving projects
• A technical hands-on experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Optics
• Microfluidics
• Assay development
• Software/hardware testing/Engineering
• Demonstrable experience with interdisciplinary and cross-functional working
• Problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent teamworking skills
• Fast-paced decision making
  

It would be advantageous for you to have:

• Experience with microscopy and optical imaging systems
• A track record of working in a multidisciplinary environment
• Experience in instrument support or assay development
• Team lead or line management experience (for Senior Position)
  
  

We offer a generous benefits packageincluding:

• 26 days holiday, plus Public Holidays
• Flexible working hours
• Pension contribution matched up to 7%
• Private medical insurance
• Income protection
• Life insurance
• Subsidized gym membership and weekly cross fit sessions
• Access to Cycle to Work and Technology schemes
• Enhanced family leave policies
  
  

At Lightcast, we recruit on a rolling basis, meaning we carry on recruiting until we find the right person for the role being advertised. We tend to compare individuals to the role specification rather than to each other.

About Lightcast

Lightcast Discovery is a bio-tools company developing a platform that combines the flexibility to analyse a wide range of cell types and assays with precise control over droplet number, occupancy, location and movement. Working with major pharmaceutical companies and leading academic institutes. Together, using our next generation microfluidic platform, we are driving scientific innovation, developing unique therapeutic approaches, and forging a path to exciting new scientific discoveries. Learn more about Lightcast Discovery at https://www.lightcast.bio/.

Lightcast Discovery is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

At Lightcast, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way in our book. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background and what you can bring to Lightcast Discovery.



Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Lightcast Discovery does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lightcast or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lightcast Discovery's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lightcast Discovery, and Lightcast Discovery will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.