Senior Assay Development Scientist / Consultant

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