Senior Scientist

The Opportunity:
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 and/or immunohistochemistry laboratory
Proven experience performing microtomy and handling a wide range of human tissue samples
Strong understanding of immunohistochemistry and its application within diagnostics and patient care
Experience working within regulated laboratory environments such as CAP/CLIA, ISO15189, HTA or GCP
Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
Demonstrated ability to manage projects, prioritise workloads and work effectively within matrix teams
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Strong commitment to quality, compliance and data integrity
Desirable:
HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
Experience in diagnostic product development, design controls and analytical validation
Hands-on experience operating and maintaining automated IHC and histology platforms (e.g. Ventana BenchMark, Leica BOND RX, Dako Omnis, Leica Spectra ST)
Experience leading assay development and optimisation projects
Experience within CAP/CLIA or ISO15189 accredited diagnostic laboratories
Experience with digital pathology, whole-slide imaging and image quality control
Interest in advancing computational pathology and innovative diagnostic technologies
Why Join AVANTOR?
Contribute to cutting-edge precision diagnostics and translational research programmes
Take ownership of scientifically complex and high-impact projects
Work alongside world-leading scientists and diagnostics experts
Develop expertise across diagnostics, assay validation, digital pathology and regulated laboratory operations
Join a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, continuous improvement and scientific excellence
Benefits Package
25 days annual leave, plus an additional day off for your birthday
Competitive pension scheme
Private healthcare
Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
Interested? Let's apply!
#LI-Onsite
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Why Avantor?
Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!
EEO Statement:
We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Privacy Policy:
We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.
Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.
3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:
By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.
TPBN1_UKTJ