Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to develop cutting-edge analytical tools for genetic medicine.
- Company: Touchlight is revolutionising DNA manufacturing for advanced genetic therapies.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pay, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment that drives innovation in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s in Biology, Biotechnology, or related field; experience in Analytical Development preferred.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
About Us
Do you want to work with a team that is changing science and enabling the next generation of genetic medicines? The stellar growth in cell and gene therapy has accelerated the need for a better quality, faster and more robust DNA manufacturing technology. Touchlight has created a new DNA vector for use in advanced genetic medicines that is safer and more efficacious than conventional plasmid DNA. Our unique platform also enables DNA production at unprecedented scale, speed and purity. We believe that DNA is fundamental to the future of medicine and our CDMO has a focus on the following areas:
- Nucleic acid medicines (mRNA and DNA).
- Ex-vivo and in-vivo cell and genetic medicines.
- Gene therapy using viral vectors and gene editing.
- Autologous and allogenic cell therapy.
Role Overview:
Touchlight is currently seeking an experienced scientist to join its Analytical Development department. This role, based at the Hampton site (UK), would be suitable for someone with a passion for development of analytical tools for solving a wide range of client specific testing requirements. The role requires a high level of communication, planning and organisation, very dynamic, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, dealing with multiple stakeholders, and managing evolving priorities. The Sr Analytical Development Scientist is primarily responsible for supporting the team during all assay development activities including those required for a regulated environment, as well as participating in the sampling and testing using those analytical tools. There will be a close interaction with the other operational departments to support ongoing project and product needs. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Analytical Development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Contribute to the hands-on development and validation of analytical assays for both internal and external programmes, in line with regulatory expectations.
- Work collaboratively with Programme Management, Quality, Supply Chain, Development, Manufacturing, and other departments, to meet deliverables and timelines.
- Ensure the organisation can deliver on a highly complex analytical testing portfolio whilst maintaining a high throughput of customer and internal projects.
- Author documentation such as standard operating procedures, validation protocols, various reports, as well as AD material ordering and storage area control.
- Participate in client meetings and support with client project communication.
- Participate and support investigations for OOS/Deviations/Change controls relating to materials coordinating with production.
- Maintain the calibration, qualification and validation of analytical testing equipment.
Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following fields of study: Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or equivalent experience.
- Experience working within an Analytical Development environment.
- Experience in a GMP Regulated CDMO would be beneficial.
- Experience with at least two of the listed techniques: ELISA, enzyme activity assays, qPCR/digital PCR, U/HPLC, mass spectrometry is essential.
- Knowledge of equipment and instrument calibration, qualification, and validation (UPLC, mass spectrometry, UV Spectrometry, real-time PCR/Digital PCR, Plate readers, Sanger Sequencing).
- Experience of reagent preparations and material handling.
- Advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Touchlight Benefits
Touchlight is a successful scale-up business with a record of world-leading innovation and a welcoming, entrepreneurial culture. We make Touchlight an extraordinary place to work by providing our employees with incredible facilities, flexible working and a competitive benefits and remuneration package.
A Place for Everyone
We believe diversity drives innovation and for that reason we strongly encourage those from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Touchlight. We are an equal opportunity employer and aim to build a workforce that is truly representative of the communities in which we operate and our customers. If you need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please speak with the HR team who will be happy to support you.
Locations
Senior Analytical Development Scientist employer: Touchlight
Contact Detail:
Touchlight Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Analytical Development Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in analytical techniques relevant to the role, such as ELISA and qPCR. This will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a fast-paced field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the cell and gene therapy sector. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the challenges they face, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've contributed to assay development in previous roles. Highlight your experience in a GMP regulated environment, as this is crucial for the position at Touchlight.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by practising how to explain complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely. This will be vital when participating in client meetings and collaborating with various departments.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Analytical Development Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in analytical development, particularly in a GMP regulated environment. Emphasise your familiarity with techniques like ELISA, qPCR, and mass spectrometry, as these are essential for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for genetic medicines and analytical tools. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and manage multiple stakeholders.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since the role requires high levels of communication, ensure you provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with cross-functional teams in previous positions. This could include client meetings or project management experiences.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: In your application, include instances where you've successfully tackled complex problems or contributed to investigations related to OOS/Deviations. This will demonstrate your advanced critical thinking skills, which are crucial for this position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Touchlight
✨Know Your Analytical Techniques
Make sure you are well-versed in the analytical techniques mentioned in the job description, such as ELISA, qPCR, and mass spectrometry. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these methods and how you've applied them in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role requires working closely with various departments, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare to discuss specific challenges you've faced in an analytical development environment and how you approached solving them. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for this role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Regulatory Standards
Understanding GMP regulations is crucial for this position. Brush up on relevant regulatory expectations and be ready to explain how you've ensured compliance in your previous work, especially in relation to assay development and validation.
