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- Tasks: Develop and optimise diagnostic assays using cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy.
- Company: Join a pioneering spin-out from the University of Oxford focused on rapid pathogen detection.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic lab environment with growth opportunities.
- 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 in a fast-paced, early-stage company.
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
Experience:
- 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
Skills:
- 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
Personal Attributes:
- 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 Oxford employer: PicturaBio
Contact Detail:
PicturaBio Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist Assay Development in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your hands-on experience. Be ready to discuss your lab work, especially around fluorescence microscopy and assay development, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the field! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you're excited about pathogen detection and how your skills align with their mission at Pictura Bio.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist Assay Development in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in assay development and fluorescence microscopy. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on lab work!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about working with us at Pictura Bio and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the Scientist Assay Development role.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since we value rigorous documentation and quality management, make sure to mention any experience you have with maintaining accurate lab records or working under quality systems. It’s all about showing us you can keep things organised!
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 and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PicturaBio
✨Know Your Assay Development
Make sure you brush up on your assay development knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in the lab, especially around fluorescence microscopy and optimisation protocols. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but have hands-on experience.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Skills
Since analysing experimental data is key for this role, prepare to talk about how you've approached data analysis in past projects. Bring examples of how you've interpreted results and contributed to assay performance verification. If you’ve used any image analysis software, mention that too!
✨Showcase Your Quality Management Experience
Familiarity with quality management systems is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience working under ISO standards or similar frameworks. Highlight how you maintain accurate records and adhere to SOPs, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Talk about how you communicate with different departments and how you handle constructive feedback. Teamwork is essential in a fast-paced environment like this!
