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- Tasks: Develop and optimise diagnostic assays for rapid pathogen detection in a lab environment.
- Company: Pictura Bio, an innovative spin-out from the University of Oxford.
- Benefits: Hands-on experience in cutting-edge diagnostics with potential for career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on healthcare through advanced technology.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in relevant fields; hands-on lab experience preferred.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and quality.
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 employer: PicturaBio
Contact Detail:
PicturaBio Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist Assay Development
✨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.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the company and the role. Understand their technology and be ready to discuss how your background fits in. We recommend practising common interview questions related to assay development and quality management systems.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly 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 eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist Assay Development
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 align with what we're looking for, 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 the role at Pictura Bio and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of our mission.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since we’re all about quality and precision, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. A well-organised application reflects your methodical approach, which is crucial for the role!
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 that you’re keen on joining our team at Pictura Bio!
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
While not essential, familiarity with data analysis and image analysis software can set you apart. If you have any experience with Python or similar tools, make sure to highlight that during the interview, as it shows your ability to analyse and interpret experimental data effectively.
