Clinical Research Associate jobs in United Kingdom

Job Description

A well-funded and award-winning molecular diagnostics company is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead the design and development of PCR and LAMP-based assays for pathogen detection. The company has over a dozen assays currently in development and is scaling its team as it expands its product portfolio.

This is a hands-on lab-based role, ideal for an experienced molecular biologist who enjoys experimental design, assay optimisation, and high-impact innovation. You’ll be central to building a new of diagnostics, supported by in-house sequencing and data processing infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimise sensitive LAMP and PCR assays
• Lead primer design, selection, and in silico specificity analysis
• Independently plan and execute structured experiments, from concept to validation
• Process and interpret sequence data (e.g. from platforms like Oxford Nanopore)
• Conduct bioinformatics-driven assay evaluation and troubleshoot design challenges
• Collaborate with junior scientists while remaining hands-on in the lab
• Support QC and reagent prep for regulated diagnostic workflows

About You

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genomics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of molecular assay design experience (especially LAMP and PCR)
• Strong background in primer design, sequence analysis, and molecular reaction optimisation
• Skilled in bioinformatics tools and comfortable with large data sets
• Experience working to regulatory standards (e.g. ISO 13485, IVDR)
• Motivated, organised, and confident presenting experimental data to cross-functional teams
• Comfortable working on-site in a wet lab 4–5 days per week