At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee cutting-edge diagnostic laboratory activities in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join AstraZeneca's innovative Precision Diagnostics Development team in Cambridge.
- Benefits: 12-month contract with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Other info: Dynamic lab environment with a focus on quality and regulatory compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in precision medicine and improve patient outcomes.
- Qualifications: BSc in Biomedical Science or related field with 5+ years in diagnostic histopathology.
The predicted salary is between 44595 - 54505 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge
Contract: 12-month contract
About the Role
We are recruiting a Senior Scientist - Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS) to join our client's highly regulated, CAP/CLIA-accredited laboratory environment in Cambridge. This is a senior, hands-on laboratory role embedded within AstraZeneca's Precision Diagnostics Development (PDD) group, supporting the development, optimisation, validation and operationalisation of cutting-edge diagnostic solutions.
Working within a collaborative scientific environment, you will provide scientific leadership and operational oversight across histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), assay development, validation, and digital/computational pathology workflows. You will play a key role in ensuring laboratory quality, regulatory compliance and the successful delivery of diagnostic development programmes that contribute directly to precision medicine and improved patient outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide scientific leadership and day-to-day operational oversight of laboratory activities
- Independently perform and supervise technical laboratory work in accordance with SOPs and quality standards
- Lead assay development, optimisation, characterisation, verification and validation activities
- Act as Project Lead for design control and assay validation programmes
- Design and execute studies to establish assay performance characteristics including sensitivity, specificity, precision and linearity
- Analyse experimental data using statistical approaches and design of experiments (DOE) methodologies
- Develop and optimise sample preparation workflows, including microtomy across a range of human tissue types
- Operate, maintain and troubleshoot automated histology and IHC platforms including Ventana, Leica and Dako systems
- Support and oversee digital pathology workflows including image scanning, quality control and issue resolution
- Ensure compliance with CAP/CLIA, ISO, HTA, GCP and other applicable regulatory frameworks
- Support quality management activities including design controls, supplier controls, change controls, risk management and CAPA processes
- Manage laboratory data and documentation using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
- Collaborate closely with scientists, project managers and cross-functional stakeholders to communicate findings and project progress effectively
- Support staff training and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory
About You
Essential:
- BSc degree (or equivalent experience) in Biomedical Science, Pathology, Molecular Biology or a related scientific discipline
- Minimum 5 years' experience within a diagnostic histopathology laboratory
Senior Scientist in Highfields employer: Avantor
As a Production Coordinator at our Lab 3 facility, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality services to a diverse customer base, including water testing companies and pharmaceutical production. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values employee growth and development, offering training opportunities and career advancement paths. Located in a vibrant area, our facility provides a supportive environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, making it an excellent place for meaningful and fulfilling employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist in Highfields
✨Join Biotechnology Meetups
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist in Highfields
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Lab Skills:In the biotech world, your lab skills are paramount. Make sure your CV highlights specific techniques and equipment you’ve used, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, or cell culture. This will give us a clear picture of what you can bring to Avantor as a temporary teammate.
Highlight Your Research Experience:If you’ve worked on any research projects — whether during your studies or in previous positions — make sure to detail these in your application. Include the objective, your role, and what you achieved. This will help us see your potential and fit for the temporary position at Avantor.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Especially for a temporary role, we want to see a clear and focused application. Tailor your CV and cover letter to emphasise the qualifications and experiences that are most relevant to the biotech field and the specific role at Avantor. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and capable.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since it’s a temporary role, let us know right away when you’re available to start and how long you can commit. Include this in your cover letter — this kind of transparency saves us all time and helps us find the right fit quickly at Avantor.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avantor
✨Brush Up on Your Biotech Basics
Understanding the fundamental concepts in biotechnology is crucial. Be ready to discuss core topics like genetics, molecular biology, or bioinformatics, especially if you're asked technical questions. We suggest revisiting your coursework or recent projects to refresh your memory.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, they’re likely looking for someone who can jump in and get up to speed quickly. Share experiences where you’ve adapted to new environments, tools, or teams in a short space of time. It shows you're ready to tackle the challenge head-on!
✨Emphasise Your Lab Experience
If you’ve got hands-on experience in lab settings, now’s the time to showcase it. Talk about specific techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, and any relevant safety protocols you’ve followed. These details help paint you as an effective team member from day one.
✨Be Prepared to Explain Your Passion
Hiring managers want to see your motivation, especially for a temporary position in a fast-paced field like biotechnology. Be ready to discuss what excites you about the industry, your career goals, and how this role at Avantor aligns with them. It’s all about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a stepping stone in your biotech journey.
