Molecular Assay Development Scientist

Molecular Assay Development Scientist

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Cyted Health

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct innovative molecular experiments to develop and validate cutting-edge biomarker assays.
  • Company: Join Cyted Health, a leader in gastrointestinal diagnostics transforming patient care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a dynamic team fostering innovation and collaboration in a supportive environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on patient lives through groundbreaking molecular research.
  • Qualifications: BSc or MSc in relevant fields with hands-on molecular biology experience.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

About Cyted Health

Cyted Health is a leading gastrointestinal health company delivering minimally invasive diagnostics to transform access to esophageal care. Our EndoSign test combines a simple, swallowable device with cutting‑edge laboratory biomarkers and analytics to detect esophageal cancer and its precursor, Barrett’s esophagus. Operating across the US and UK life‑science hub, with hybrid, remote and onsite teams, we are expanding our pipeline to address new high‑impact targets across gastroenterology and related fields. You’ll join a close‑knit team of experts in our field who collaborate daily to translate breakthrough ideas into real‑world solutions. At Cyted Health, every voice matters. Whether you’re in R&D, Commercialisation, Medical Affairs or Operations, you’ll have the chance to lead projects, influence strategy, and broaden your skill set across the company. We champion diverse backgrounds and perspectives, fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and innovate. If you’re inspired by purpose, motivated by challenge, and eager to make a meaningful impact on patient lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Interview Process

  • Initial Conversation – An online meeting with a member of our People team or the hiring manager to learn about your skills & experiences and for you to explore what it is like to work with us.
  • Team Interview & Assessment – Meet the wider team, sometimes accompanied by an assessment, such as giving a short presentation based on a topic related to the role.
  • Final Interview – An online meeting with our CEO to discuss your goals and the company’s history and vision.

Job Summary

The Molecular Assay Development Scientist will support the development, optimisation and validation of molecular assays within Cyted’s new molecular R&D laboratory, with a key focus on next generation sequencing. Working under the guidance of the Molecular Assay Development Manager, this role will contribute to discovery research, experimental planning, wet‑lab execution, data analysis and documentation required to advance new biomarker assays toward diagnostic adoption. As a new laboratory, the role will be key to laboratory set‑up including equipment and assay validations, protocol development, and in shaping core working practices. This role will also be key in designing and carrying out laboratory experiments, evaluating new molecular technologies and methodologies, maintaining high‑quality molecular laboratory practices, and collaborating closely with R&D dry lab, project management, QA and clinical teams to progress assays through development stages.

Working Pattern and Location

Full‑time, 37.5 hour week. The role holder may be required to work flexibly. The Molecular Assay Development Scientist will be based within Cyted's molecular lab at Ground Floor Building 3 Old Swiss, 149 Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom, CB1 7BX.

What You Will Be Doing

  • Perform wet‑lab molecular experiments to support discovery, development and validation of new biomarker assays.
  • Assist in evaluating and implementing new molecular technologies in collaboration with the Molecular Assay Development Manager.
  • Work closely with the dry lab team to plan experiments, generate data and interpret results.
  • Prepare and maintain laboratory documentation including experimental records, validation plans, reports, SOPs and training materials.
  • Support the optimisation of assay workflows for accuracy, reproducibility and cost‑effectiveness.
  • Contribute to the translation of assays from R&D into diagnostic workflows, working with project management, QA and clinical operations.
  • Maintain high laboratory quality standards, including adherence to molecular QA practices and preparation for audit and accreditation activities.
  • Perform equipment maintenance, troubleshooting and reagent management in the molecular laboratory.
  • Perform laboratory maintenance to ensure clean, safe, compliant and efficient laboratory operations at all times.

How We Work

At Cyted, how we work is just as important as the impact we create. Our values shape how we collaborate, operate and support the clinicians and patients who ultimately rely on our diagnostics. As a Molecular Assay Development Scientist, you’ll bring those values to life through rigorous science, disciplined execution and a deep commitment to quality in everything you do in the laboratory. Care deeply about delivering accurate, clinically meaningful diagnostics, and for you, care means precision, reproducibility and scientific integrity. You’ll approach molecular assay development with attention to detail and a strong quality mindset, ensuring experiments are well designed, data is robust and documentation is thorough. From nucleic acid extraction through NGS library preparation and assay optimisation, your work will directly contribute to building assays that can be trusted in clinical settings. We own your science with confidence and accountability. You’ll take responsibility for executing wet‑lab experiments, supporting assay development, optimisation and validation, and contributing high‑quality data to multidisciplinary teams. Working under the guidance of the Molecular Assay Development Manager, you’ll plan experiments thoughtfully, interpret results critically and maintain clear, compliant records that support regulatory and diagnostic progression. We aim high. Cyted is growing, and with that comes the challenge of building new molecular capabilities from the ground up. As part of a new molecular R&D laboratory, you’ll help establish robust laboratory practices, support equipment and assay validation, and contribute to shaping core ways of working. You’ll support the transition of assays from discovery through development toward diagnostic adoption, balancing scientific ambition with practicality and robustness. You’ll be expected to dive deep. You’ll build a strong understanding of Cyted’s biomarker strategies, molecular technologies and assay workflows, working closely with dry lab, project management, QA and clinical teams. Whether evaluating new technologies, troubleshooting assay performance or supporting workflow optimisation, you’ll bring curiosity, structure and problem‑solving skills to complex scientific challenges. We encourage everyone to challenge and commit. You’ll actively contribute to scientific discussions, share learnings, and help improve protocols, documentation and laboratory processes. You’ll question assumptions, suggest improvements and support continuous improvement in assay performance, efficiency and quality, while committing fully to agreed approaches and project goals. And above all, we deliver. This role requires momentum, reliability and results. You’ll progress experiments efficiently, generate high‑quality data and support assay development milestones. Every experiment you run, every protocol you refine and every dataset you analyse strengthens Cyted’s ability to deliver innovative molecular diagnostics at scale.

Person Specification

  • BSc or MSc in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Science or a related field.
  • Hands‑on experience in molecular biology techniques, such as NGS library preparations and sequencing, PCR/qPCR, nucleic acid extraction and assay optimisation.
  • Experience working in a molecular laboratory or diagnostic/R&D environment.
  • Familiarity with documentation processes including SOPs, validation reports and experiment records and understanding of clinical sample handling and molecular QA standards.
  • Experience working to ISO15189 or other regulatory standards.
  • Strong wet‑bench molecular skills with the ability to execute precise, high‑quality experiments.
  • Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accurate data generation and documentation, and strong analytical ability to interpret experimental outcomes and troubleshoot.
  • Organised, proactive and able to manage workload across multiple projects.

Benefits details are available on our website.

Molecular Assay Development Scientist employer: Cyted Health

Cyted Health is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Cambridge, where innovation meets purpose. As a Molecular Assay Development Scientist, you'll be part of a collaborative team dedicated to advancing gastrointestinal diagnostics, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Our inclusive culture values every voice, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying the benefits of flexible working arrangements and a commitment to quality in all aspects of our work.

Cyted Health

Contact Details:

Cyted Health Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Molecular Assay Development Scientist

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with Cyted Health on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research Cyted Health thoroughly, understand their mission, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your experience in molecular biology.

Tip Number 3

Show off your passion! During interviews, let your enthusiasm for molecular assay development shine through. Talk about projects you've worked on, challenges you've overcome, and how you can contribute to Cyted's innovative approach to diagnostics.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Molecular Assay Development Scientist

Molecular Biology Techniques
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
PCR/qPCR
Nucleic Acid Extraction
Assay Optimisation
Laboratory Documentation
SOPs

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Molecular Assay Development Scientist role. Highlight relevant experience in molecular biology techniques and any hands-on lab work you've done. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about gastrointestinal health and how you can contribute to our mission at Cyted Health. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love to see enthusiasm!

Showcase Your Team Spirit:At Cyted, collaboration is key! In your application, mention experiences where you've worked closely with others, especially in a lab setting. We value teamwork and want to know how you can contribute to our close-knit team of experts.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details about the role and our company culture there. We can't wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cyted Health

Know Your Molecular Biology

Brush up on your molecular biology techniques, especially NGS library preparations and PCR/qPCR. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how it relates to the role at Cyted Health.

Prepare for Team Dynamics

Since you'll be working closely with various teams, think about examples of past collaborations. Prepare to share how you’ve contributed to team projects and how you handle feedback and challenges in a group setting.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Cyted values curiosity and problem-solving. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced in the lab and how you approached them. Highlight your analytical skills and how they led to successful outcomes.

Understand the Company’s Vision

Familiarise yourself with Cyted Health's mission and recent developments in gastrointestinal health. This will help you align your goals with the company's vision during your final interview with the CEO.