At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and quality.
- 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.
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
Pictura Bio is an exceptional employer for those passionate about advancing medical imaging technology. With a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and take on leadership roles in a fast-paced start-up environment. Located in a vibrant area, the company offers unique opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that directly impact healthcare outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist Assay Development
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like PicturaBio. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like PicturaBio!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist Assay Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show PicturaBio that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at PicturaBio.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that PicturaBio does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at PicturaBio
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at PicturaBio. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into PicturaBio's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at PicturaBio. This shows your passion for the industry!
