Development Scientist – Biological Kits in London

Portal Biotech has built the world's only platform capable of sequencing full-length proteins at the single-molecule level. Using our nanopore technology, we read intact proteins of any size, capturing both sequence and post-translational modifications in a way no other system can. This opens up entirely new ways to understand protein biology, with applications across drug discovery, diagnostics, and biosecurity. Our technology works and customers are engaging. We are now focused on scaling, turning breakthrough science into products that deliver real biological insight as we move beyond Series A towards global product launch.

We are seeking Development Scientists to join our Product Development efforts as part of our DevOps team, based at our headquarters in Scale Space, White City, London. This role spans early feasibility studies through to longer-term biological product development.

You will design and run focused experiments to optimise biological products and workflows, generating clear, well-controlled data to guide technical decisions. Promising prototypes will be matured into reliable, reproducible solutions integrated into our platform, directly supporting the journey from concept to viable product. This is a hands-on laboratory role suited to someone who enjoys solving practical scientific problems and building solutions that are robust, transferable, and fit for real-world use within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to evaluate and optimise biological components, assays, and experimental workflows.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data to guide technical decisions and next steps.
• Troubleshoot and systematically improve performance, yield, robustness, and reproducibility.
• Refine promising concepts into well-defined, scalable methods aligned with longer-term platform development.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, and laboratory materials, ensuring readiness and consistency across experimental workflows.
• Maintain clear experimental records and contribute to technical documentation where required.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across disciplines to support platform integration and development goals.

Requirements

• A BSc, MSc, or equivalent industry experience in proteomics, molecular biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory experience developing or optimising biological or enzymatic assays or workflows.
• Strong experimental design skills, with the ability to generate clear, well-controlled data and draw sound conclusions.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and improve performance, robustness, or reproducibility in laboratory workflows.
• An interest in translating exploratory findings into reliable, scalable methods that form part of a wider platform.
• Able to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team.

Desirable

• Experience with chromatographic techniques (e.g. HPLC/FPLC) for protein purification or characterisation.
• Skilled in refining methods for robustness, scalability, or transfer to other teams.
• Experience using Python (or similar) for data analysis, automation, or experimental workflow support.
• Proficient working with larger experimental datasets and applying statistical approaches to support technical decisions.
• Familiarity with electrophysiology methodologies, including end-to-end experimental design, data acquisition, and analysis workflows.
• Exposure to quality management systems (QMS) and structured documentation practices within a regulated or product development environment.

Portal is an equal opportunities employer. We are enriched by our diversity and are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment for all. We are a values-led company, and the dedication, passion, and enthusiasm of our talented employees is our cornerstone. We strive to create an environment where our team feels empowered to be their best selves, and where they enjoy working and building both the technologies and our company with us. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.