At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive into complex workflows and enhance innovative sequencing-based assays.
- Company: Exciting biotech platform company at the forefront of RNA biology.
- Benefits: Flexible engagement options, competitive pay, and opportunities for collaboration.
- Other info: Open to various engagement structures, including permanent and consultancy roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge biotech and advance your scientific career.
- Qualifications: Experience in quantitative assay development and RNA workflows is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
- Senior Assay Development Scientist / Consultant
- Cambridge | Permanent, Contract, Interim or Consultancy
We're supporting a well-funded biotech platform company developing a novel sequencing-based assay at the intersection of:
- RNA biology
- Nucleic acid chemistry
- Selection technologies
- NGS readouts
- Quantitative assay development
This is a role for someone who enjoys digging into complex workflows and understanding exactly where signal is generated, amplified, distorted, or lost.
You'll be helping evaluate and strengthen a highly complex assay by
- Identifying sources of bias and variability
- Understanding assay robustness and reproducibility
- Designing controls, standards and spike-ins
- Investigating PCR, sequencing and sampling effects
- Assessing enrichment and selection-based readouts
- Determining whether the final output truly reflects the underlying biology
- Ideal Background
You'll likely bring experience in several of the following
- Quantitative assay development
- RNA handling and RNA-based workflows
- NGS and sequencing-based assays
- Selection or screening platforms
- Nucleic acid chemistry
- Assay characterisation and validation
- Library-based experiments
- Primer, probe and RT assay design
- Controls, calibrants and reference standards
- PCR bias, normalisation and enrichment analysis
- The Person
We're looking for someone who
- Can challenge assumptions with data
- Thinks independently
- Enjoys troubleshooting difficult scientific problems
- Has taken methods from proof-of-concept through to robust, reproducible workflows
- Is comfortable providing clear technical recommendations
- Flexible Engagement
The team is open-minded on structure and would consider
- Permanent hires
- Contract scientists
- Independent consultants
- Technical audits
- Longer-term collaborations
Senior Assay Development Scientist / Consultant in Cambridge employer: BioTalent
At BioTalent, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Greater London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead impactful projects with top-tier biopharmaceutical clients, making every day a chance to drive meaningful change in the life sciences sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Assay Development Scientist / Consultant in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like BioTalent. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like BioTalent!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Assay Development Scientist / Consultant in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show BioTalent that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at BioTalent.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that BioTalent does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at BioTalent
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at BioTalent. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into BioTalent's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at BioTalent. This shows your passion for the industry!
