Research and Development Scientist – Biochemistry and Microfluidics in Sunderland

About Invenire X

Invenire X is a Deeptech life sciences startup engineering an entirely new class of diagnostic hardware. With VC backing and UKRI support, we're building a platform that:

Directly counts single DNA/RNA molecules using nano-scale microfluidics, fluorescence imaging, and advanced computer vision algorithms.

• Has been validated and is now being pushed towards commercial readiness.

We’re now hiring a Research and Development scientist to join the core team building out the Biochemistry and microfluidic compatibility of this system.

The Role

This is not an academic post.

It’s a hands-on, experimental role where your work will have direct and immediate impact on a commercial product.

You’ll lead the charge on refining and validating our core nucleic acid detection assays, and our in-house microfluidic chip fabrication for design prototyping.

You’ll be working closely with hardware engineers and software engineers to design and optimise our DNA detection system and microfluidic chips for compatibility in our machine prototypes.

This role is ideal for a multi-skilled, resilient, and self-motivated scientist, with a strong work ethic that thrives in the face of a challenge.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, test, and optimise hybridisation-based nucleic acid assays using magnetic beads and fluorescent probes.
• Create, test, and optimise microfluidic chips in-house to prototype new design variants
• Conduct systematic experiments to determine hybridisation kinetics, melting curves, and signal linearity.
• Run end-to-end assay protocols, including bead handling, incubation, chip loading, and imaging.
• Develop and refine methods for reducing non-specific binding, autofluorescence, and other background signals.
• Interface closely with hardware/software teams to align assay timing, reader settings, and performance targets.
• Document protocols clearly for internal use and future regulatory readiness.
• Identify bottlenecks and propose innovative solutions for improving assay robustness and turnaround time.
• Work with early users and partners to validate real-world assay performance in diverse contexts.

Essential Experience

• MSc, MRes, or Ph D in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience developing or running DNA/RNA hybridisation assays or other nucleic acid tests (q PCR, LAMP, FISH, etc).
• Comfortable handling oligonucleotides, beads, buffers, and setting up reaction protocols.
• Track record of troubleshooting experimental noise, false positives, or edge-case artefacts.
• Comfortable with quantitative analysis of assay performance (e. g., Lo D, specificity, sensitivity, SNR).
• Able to work in a small, multidisciplinary team where every result matters.
• Bonus Experience
• Experience with microfluidics, droplet assays, or femtoliter/picoliter systems.
• Prior work with diagnostic assays, biosensors, or point-of-care systems.
• Knowledge of fluorescence detection methods or single-molecule detection strategies.
• Experience scripting analysis in Python or R.

Your Profile

• You’re not just smart—you’re driven to figure out how things work and making them work better.
• You have an experimentalist’s soul: methodical, inventive, persistent, and driven by real-world outcomes.
• You work from first principles and ask the questions others don’t.
• You’ve built things from scratch—kits, protocols, maybe even instruments.
• You want your work to matter—and you want to work somewhere that moves fast and demands the best.
• Location - Newcastle Upon Tyne

Pay