Principal Scientist

The Company Superb opportunity to join a growing biotech in Oxford who specialise in pathogen detection using fluorescence microscopy and machine learning. It’s an exciting time to join as they look to scale up and accelerate their research moving into 2025. You’ll join a small team of 10 and work within a collaborative, open-planned lab setting. The Role – Principal Scientist This is a key position in leading the development of new capabilities in their pathogen detection systems. You will deploy diverse techniques to support different stages of platform development, as well as perform assays to generate validation data. The work will involve the use of many techniques including fluorescence microscopy as well as handling and preparing pathogenic samples. You will also prepare data for reports and presentations within the company and assist in the drafting and review of laboratory protocols. Additionally, you will be responsible for overseeing laboratory management and the direct supervision of junior staff. The role is a 70-30% split between the office and the lab. Responsibilities: * Independently run and manage projects; design, perform and analyse experiments and data and provide intellectual input to all projects across the company. * Identify issues or areas of development, thinking creatively to come up with solutions and where appropriate instigate and drive collaboration to solve them. * Write project plans and reports, take responsibility for training of junior staff and plan and assign tasks to them. * Troubleshoot equipment and methods within the process of development of the assay. * Help to test and optimise sample consumable and ensure good integration with the assay hardware. * Liaise with 3rd party users of prototype consumables to gather externally validated data. * Validating selected pathogens in CL2 conditions. * Analyse, interpret and summarise results for presentation at internal meetings. * Documenting research findings clearly in an electronic lab book. * Maintain best practice, quality standards and accurate record keeping. * Adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols. Requirements: Essential * PhD (with a minimum of five years of laboratory experience), in a biology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences or biophysics related discipline. * Expertise in fluorescence microscopy. * Experience in designing and developing SOPs. * Practical experience of assay development in an industrial or product development. * Broad knowledge of biological sciences with an emphasis on imaging pathogenic systems. * Capacity to execute tasks independently to achieve company goals on an established timeline. * Superb communication, organisation, attention-to-details, multi-tasking, adaptability and teamwork skills. * Knowledge of, and appreciation for, laboratory safety procedures. * Enthusiasm to work in a dynamic research environment. Desirable * Ability to design and perform experiments such as real-time PCR and protein purification * Expertise in fluorescence labelling techniques * Expertise in microorganism immobilisation techniques * Expertise in handling and preparing pathogen samples for imaging. More details available on successful application