Product Manager – Assay Kits

Product Manager – Assay Kits

Sheffield Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
E

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of innovative assay kits for life sciences and pharma.
  • Company: Exciting Instruments, a dynamic spinout from the University of Sheffield.
  • Benefits: Share options, 26 days annual leave, and a chance to shape molecular technology.
  • Why this job: Join a rapidly growing company and make a real impact in science and technology.
  • Qualifications: Advanced degree in Biochemistry or related field; product management experience preferred.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and innovation.

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

Location: Sheffield, UKOn-site preferred; hybrid considered for exceptional candidates

About the Role

The Product Manager (Assay Kits) is responsible for defining, prioritising, and delivering Exciting Instruments’ portfolio of in-solution single-molecule assay kits for pharmaceutical and life sciences customers. This role connects scientific, commercial, and operational domains — transforming customer and market needs into precise product specifications and ensuring seamless execution from concept through to manufacturing release.

You will own the end-to-end product lifecycle, encompassing market analysis, technical definition, development planning, validation coordination, launch strategy and post market surveillance. The position demands scientific fluency, operational precision, and the ability to translate technical potential into commercially viable, scalable products.

Core Responsibilities

1. Product Definition and Roadmapping

  • Define product vision, strategy, and roadmap for Exciting Instruments’ assay kit portfolio.
  • Translate customer and market requirements into clear technical specifications and development objectives.
  • Prioritise assay development programs based on scientific opportunity, commercial value, and manufacturability.
  • Maintain a forward-looking roadmap balancing innovation with standardisation and scalability.

2. Cross‑functional Coordination and Execution

  • Act as the primary interface between Product Management, Assay Development, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.
  • Initiate and manage project briefs, ensuring technical feasibility, performance targets, and regulatory considerations are met.
  • Drive execution of development milestones — feasibility, optimization, validation, and technology transfer — ensuring timelines and deliverables remain aligned with company objectives.
  • Coordinate internal resources to ensure smooth progression from prototype to production‑ready kit.

3. Customer and Market Insight

  • Engage directly with pharmaceutical and academic customers to understand unmet assay needs, pain points, and performance expectations.
  • Conduct competitive benchmarking and market analysis to guide portfolio strategy.
  • Identify emerging assay applications and opportunities for differentiation within the single‑molecule and high‑sensitivity assay markets.

4. Product Launch and Lifecycle Management

  • Oversee product validation and release planning, working with Marketing, Sales, and Manufacturing to ensure readiness.Develop product positioning, messaging, and supporting technical documentation.Monitor product performance post‑launch, driving iterative improvement and lifecycle updates.Collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing to manage feedback, obsolescence, and revision control.

    5. Documentation and Governance

    • Own the product specification and design history files for assay kits.
    • Ensure all documentation meets Exciting Instruments’ internal quality standards and is audit‑ready.
    • Contribute to the establishment of best practices in design control, risk management, and product traceability.

    Essential Skills and Experience

    • Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, or related discipline.
    • Proven experience in product management or program ownership in a life sciences, diagnostics, or pharmaceutical tools context.
    • Deep understanding of assay development workflows, including design, optimization, and validation phases.
    • Strong operational and project management skills, with experience driving cross‑functional teams to delivery.
    • Ability to synthesise complex technical data into actionable product and market strategies.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication; clarity and precision in scientific and commercial documentation.

    Preferred Skills and Experience

    • Background in single‑molecule, fluorescence‑based, or biophysical assay technologies.
    • Prior experience in kit productisation, design transfer, or manufacturing interface roles.
    • Familiarity with regulated development frameworks (GLP, ISO 13485, or equivalent).Experience engaging with pharmaceutical R&D, drug discovery, or biomolecular screening customers.Proficiency in managing external collaborations, partnerships, or technology evaluations.

      About Exciting Instruments

      Exciting Instruments, a University of Sheffield spinout, is transforming molecular analytics through its in‑solution single‑molecule detection platform. Our mission is to make single‑molecule precision accessible, scalable, and impactful across life sciences and pharma.
      Since our launch in 2022, we’ve enabled researchers to explore molecular interactions with unprecedented sensitivity — and are now expanding our product range to include a suite of high‑performance assay kits built on our proprietary technology.

      What We Offer

      • Share options
      • 26 days annual leave
      • Role at the intersection of science, strategy, and execution in a rapidly growing company shaping the future of molecular assay technology

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Product Manager – Assay Kits employer: Exciting Instruments Limited

Exciting Instruments is an exceptional employer located in Sheffield, UK, offering a dynamic work environment where science meets strategy. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and innovation within the rapidly evolving field of molecular analytics. Our culture promotes collaboration and creativity, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of assay technology while enjoying competitive benefits such as share options and generous annual leave.
E

Contact Detail:

Exciting Instruments Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Product Manager – Assay Kits

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products thoroughly. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and how it relates to the role of Product Manager for Assay Kits. We recommend rehearsing with friends or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe showing appreciation can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Product Manager – Assay Kits

Product Management
Assay Development Workflows
Market Analysis
Technical Specification Development
Cross-Functional Coordination
Project Management
Customer Engagement
Communication Skills
Regulatory Knowledge (GLP, ISO 13485)
Documentation and Governance
Scientific Fluency
Operational Precision
Problem-Solving Skills
Collaboration Skills
Lifecycle Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Product Manager role. Highlight your experience in product management and how it aligns with our mission at Exciting Instruments. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!

Showcase Your Scientific Fluency: Since this role requires a deep understanding of assay development, don’t shy away from showcasing your scientific background. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your expertise in biochemistry or related fields. We love seeing candidates who can bridge the gap between science and commercial viability!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your documents are well-structured and free of jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, so keep it simple and to the point while still showcasing your achievements.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our exciting journey at Exciting Instruments!

How to prepare for a job interview at Exciting Instruments Limited

Know Your Product Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into Exciting Instruments’ assay kits and their applications. Understand the science behind them and be ready to discuss how you would define product vision and strategy based on customer needs.

Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully coordinated with different teams in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing project briefs and ensuring technical feasibility, as this role requires seamless collaboration across various departments.

Demonstrate Market Insight

Research the current trends in the life sciences and pharmaceutical markets. Be prepared to discuss competitive benchmarking and how you would identify emerging opportunities for differentiation in assay technologies.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Since excellent communication is key for this role, ensure you can convey your ideas effectively, both in written and verbal formats.

Product Manager – Assay Kits
Exciting Instruments Limited
Location: Sheffield

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>