Senior Scientist Assay Development (Diagnostics & Point of Care)

Senior Scientist, Assay Development (Science Lead)Location: On-Site. Laboratory currently based in Stevenage; aiming to relocate to London EOY.Salary: Competitive + EquityWe're partnering with an ambitious, venture-backed healthtech company developing a next-generation diagnostic platform designed to bring laboratory-quality hormone testing into the home.The company is tackling a significant unmet need in healthcare through the development of highly sensitive assays capable of measuring hormones and related biomarkers from non-invasive samples. As they move towards product validation and commercialisation, they are looking for a senior scientific leader to own assay development and shape the scientific strategy of the business.This is a rare opportunity for an experienced assay development scientist who wants to combine hands-on laboratory work with scientific leadership in a fast-growing diagnostics company.The OpportunityAs the scientific lead for assay development, you will be responsible for driving the design, optimisation, validation and translation of quantitative immunoassays into a point-of-care diagnostic platform.You'll work at the intersection of biology, chemistry, diagnostics and engineering, collaborating closely with engineers, regulatory specialists and external partners to bring a novel diagnostic product from development through to market.This is a highly visible role with significant influence over both product development and scientific direction.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the development and optimisation of quantitative immunoassaysDrive assay performance across sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and stabilityDesign and execute analytical validation studiesTranslate laboratory assays into point-of-care, cartridge-based or microfluidic formatsEstablish scientific best practice for experimental design, data quality and statistical analysisGenerate documentation aligned with regulatory and design-control requirementsWork closely with engineering, clinical and regulatory teamsSupport external collaborations and scientific advisory relationshipsContribute to building and mentoring a growing scientific teamWhat We're Looking ForEssential ExperiencePhD in Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Bioengineering or a related disciplineIndustry experience in assay development, diagnostics or IVD product developmentStrong hands-on expertise in immunoassay development, particularly ELISA-based systemsExperience developing assays from concept through validationBackground translating assays into point-of-care, biosensor, lateral flow or microfluidic platformsExperience working with biologically relevant samples such as blood, saliva or urineStrong experimental design, data analysis and statistical skillsExperience generating technical and validation documentation within regulated environmentsAbility to operate independently in a fast-moving start-up or scale-up environmentHighly DesirableHormone assay development experienceExperience measuring low-abundance analytesPoint-of-care diagnostics or IVD device developmentProduct commercialisation experienceCE-IVD, UKCA or FDA-regulated product experienceTeam leadership or scientific management experienceReagent stabilisation or lyophilisation experienceWhy Apply?Own the scientific strategy behind a breakthrough diagnostic productLead assay development from early-stage innovation through commercial launchJoin a mission-driven business addressing a major unmet healthcare needWork directly with senior leadership and influence company directionCompetitive salary and meaningful equity participationOpportunity to build and lead a science function as the company growsInterested in learning more? Apply with an up-to-date CV for a confidential discussion.