Senior Assay Scientist

Senior Assay Scientist

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and optimise NGS assays while collaborating with diverse scientific teams.
  • Company: Join Syndex Bio, a pioneering biotech firm at the forefront of PCR technology.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, equity options, pension scheme, and flexible working.
  • Other info: Shape the future of an ambitious company with excellent career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in biotech by advancing innovative genomic research.
  • Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields and 5+ years in biotech.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Location: Foxton, Cambridge, UK (Full time, on-site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Syndex Bio

Syndex Bio is an innovative biotechnology company that has developed a first-in-class PCR technology which retains methylation information during amplification. We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Assay Scientist with deep expertise in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) assay and workflow development to play a critical role in advancing our development and translational research projects.

The Role

As a Senior Assay Scientist, you will help develop and optimise mcPCR workflows, and exemplify their utility with real world samples. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams including research, development, protein science, and bioinformatics, to establish robust experimental workflows and generate high-quality data. This is an excellent opportunity for a scientist who thrives in a fast-paced biotech environment and is passionate about combining innovative assay technologies with genomics-enabled research.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, optimise, and validate NGS-based assays to support development and translational programmes.
  • Sample preparation, library preparation, sequencing assay optimisation, quality control strategies, and data interpretation, presenting to internal as well as external teams.
  • Support internal and external sequencing projects and manage assay transfer to collaborators or partners.
  • Identify and implement emerging assay technologies to strengthen Syndex Bio's platform capabilities.
  • Maintain accurate experimental documentation and contribute to scientific reports, presentations, publications, and intellectual property generation.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

  • PhD or equivalent industrial experience in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
  • Minimum of an additional 5 years' industry experience in biotechnology, genomics, or diagnostic assay settings.
  • Demonstrated expertise in assay development, optimisation, validation, and troubleshooting.
  • Proven experience developing and implementing NGS assays and sequencing workflows.
  • Strong understanding of NGS technologies, including library preparation, sequencing platforms, assay quality metrics, and data interpretation.
  • Strong understanding of experimental design, assay qualification, and statistical analysis.
  • Experience in working effectively within cross-functional scientific teams.
  • Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

Desirable Experience

  • Experience of product development.
  • Experience collaborating closely with bioinformatics and computational biology teams.
  • Knowledge of automated laboratory systems.
  • Prior mentoring or project leadership experience.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary.
  • Equity participation opportunity.
  • Pension contribution scheme.
  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • The opportunity to shape the scientific direction of an emerging and ambitious biotechnology company.

Senior Assay Scientist employer: Syndex Bio

Syndex Bio is an exceptional employer located in Foxton, Cambridge, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment for Senior Assay Scientists. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, and equity participation opportunities, we foster a collaborative culture that encourages scientific exploration and the development of cutting-edge technologies. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your contributions will directly impact the future of biotechnology.

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Contact Details:

Syndex Bio Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Assay Scientist

Get Involved in Local Research Communities

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Show Off Your Projects

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Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Assay Scientist

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Assay Development
Workflow Development
Sample Preparation
Library Preparation
Sequencing Assay Optimisation
Quality Control Strategies

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 Syndex Bio 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 Syndex Bio.

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 Syndex Bio 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 Syndex Bio

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 Syndex Bio. 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 Syndex Bio'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 Syndex Bio. This shows your passion for the industry!