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- Tasks: Develop and optimise diagnostic assays using cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy and data analysis.
- Company: Join Pictura Bio, a dynamic spin-out from the University of Oxford focused on rapid pathogen detection.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced lab environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by contributing to innovative diagnostic solutions.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in relevant fields; hands-on lab experience preferred.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on quality and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Pictura Bio is a well-funded University of Oxford spin-out developing a novel diagnostic platform for rapid pathogen detection. Our technology combines fluorescence microscopy with automated image analysis and machine learning to identify pathogens in seconds. The platform is being translated into clinical diagnostic products, initially focused on respiratory infections, with broader applications across infectious disease.
Role Purpose: You will play a hands-on role in the development, optimisation, and validation of the Pictura Bio assay. Working closely with assay development, imaging, and data science teams, you will support the transition of a research-stage assay into a robust, reproducible diagnostic workflow. This role is fully on-site and laboratory-based, and is suited to a scientist with strong experimental skills, experience in fluorescence microscopy, and an understanding of working within a quality-managed environment. You will be expected to generate high-quality experimental data, document work rigorously, and contribute to assay robustness, reproducibility, and performance verification.
Major Accountabilities:
- Design, execute, and document laboratory experiments supporting assay development
- Optimise fluorescence labelling protocols for viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens
- Perform fluorescence microscopy imaging using standardised protocols
- Support development and refinement of imaging workflows (sample prep, imaging parameters)
- Analyse experimental data and contribute to interpretation of assay performance
- Verify and validate assay performance (e.g. repeatability, sensitivity, specificity, robustness)
- Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory records in line with quality requirements
- Contribute to SOPs, protocols, and technical documentation
- Work in accordance with company quality systems, policies, and procedures
- Collaborate closely with assay, imaging, and software teams to support end-to-end assay development
- Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role and level
Ideal Background:
Education:- BSc or MSc in a relevant discipline (e.g. Biophysics, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering)
- PhD desirable but not essential
- Hands-on laboratory experience in assay development or bioanalytical testing
- Practical experience with fluorescence microscopy (widefield, epifluorescence, TIRF, or confocal)
- Experience working under a Quality Management System (e.g. ISO 13485, ISO 15189, GLP, GxP, or similar)
- Experience in an industrial, translational, or regulated laboratory environment is highly desirable
- Strong experimental and practical laboratory skills
- Good understanding of assay development principles and experimental controls
- Familiarity with fluorescence labelling and sample preparation
- Ability to follow and improve SOPs and experimental protocols
- Strong attention to detail and excellent record-keeping
- Comfortable analysing data and reporting results clearly
- Familiarity with image analysis software is an advantage
- Basic Python or data analysis skills are beneficial but not essential
- Methodical, careful, and data/quality-driven
- Comfortable working in a fast-moving, early-stage company
- Willing to challenge results constructively and troubleshoot experiments
- Collaborative and communicative
Scientist Assay Development in Banbury employer: PicturaBio
Contact Detail:
PicturaBio Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist Assay Development in Banbury
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meetups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your hands-on experience with assay development and fluorescence microscopy. We want to hear about your successes and how you can contribute to their team.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Before any interview, do your homework on the company and the role. We recommend aligning your skills and experiences with what they’re looking for in a Scientist Assay Development. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at Pictura Bio.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist Assay Development in Banbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Scientist Assay Development role. Highlight your hands-on laboratory experience, especially with fluorescence microscopy and assay development. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're excited about working at Pictura Bio. Share your passion for pathogen detection and how your background aligns with our mission. Let your personality shine through – we love a bit of enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, be specific about your previous work in quality-managed environments and any relevant projects you've been involved in. We’re keen to know how you’ve contributed to assay robustness and reproducibility in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at PicturaBio
✨Know Your Assay Development
Make sure you brush up on the principles of assay development and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've designed, executed, and documented laboratory experiments in the past.
✨Fluorescence Microscopy Mastery
Since this role requires practical experience with fluorescence microscopy, ensure you can talk confidently about the techniques you've used. Familiarise yourself with different microscopy methods and be ready to explain how you've optimised labelling protocols for various pathogens.
✨Quality Management Systems Knowledge
Understanding quality management systems is crucial for this position. Brush up on relevant standards like ISO 13485 or GLP, and be prepared to discuss how you've worked within a quality-managed environment in your previous roles.
✨Data Analysis Skills
This role involves analysing experimental data, so be ready to showcase your analytical skills. If you have experience with image analysis software or basic Python, mention it! Prepare to discuss how you've interpreted assay performance and contributed to data-driven decisions.