At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead microbiome research and develop innovative diagnostic tests in a cutting-edge lab.
- Company: Join Salient Bio, a pioneering clinical diagnostics lab in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for leadership and mentoring.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of microbiome research and transform healthcare with your expertise.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in microbiome research, strong wet-lab skills, and grant application experience.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Salient Bio is a cutting-edge clinical diagnostics laboratory based in London, specialising in clinical-grade microbiome testing. It operates a full-stack microbiome platform—covering everything from sample kit assembly and wet-lab processing to advanced data analysis and machine-learning-driven interpretation. By maintaining end-to-end control over workflows, Salient Bio delivers highly precise and reliable microbiome insights that support disease diagnosis and wellness testing. Its interdisciplinary team includes scientists and software engineers working collaboratively to transform microbiome research into real-world healthcare impact.
Salient Bio is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Scientist (Microbiome) to play a central role in advancing its diagnostic and wellness testing portfolio. This is a senior scientific position with opportunities for leadership, innovation, and professional growth within a fast-growing biotech company.
The Senior Scientist in this role will contribute to the development of new in-vitro diagnostic microbiome tests, refine laboratory workflows, collaborate closely with bioinformatics teams, and support grant-funded research initiatives and clinical studies.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and contribute to grant applications supporting microbiome research, pilot studies, and clinical trials
- Design and improve diagnostic and wellness microbiome testing products
- Conduct critical literature reviews and translate findings into applied research strategies
- Collaborate with bioinformatics teams to enhance microbiome data analysis and client reports
- Design and deliver bespoke microbiome studies for external partners and clients
- Develop, validate, and optimise laboratory protocols and workflows
- Transition R&D protocols into routine diagnostic workflows by writing SOPs and training staff
- Support NGS workflow optimisation and scalability alongside the NGS Lab Manager
- Participate in sample processing when required (from receipt to sequencing or qPCR)
~6+ years of microbiome and microbiology experience (PhD, postdoctoral, or equivalent industry background)
Proven experience contributing to successful grant applications
Strong wet-lab expertise in molecular biology (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, QC)
Understanding of standard quality controls in NGS workflows
Excellent scientific communication and data interpretation skills
Strong organisational and project-management abilities
Experience mentoring or training junior team members
High attention to detail and documentation (UKAS-accredited environment)
Interested candidates should send their CV to: rob@salient.bio
Senior Scientist role at Salient Bio, UK employer: The Phage
Salient Bio is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets real-world healthcare impact. With a strong focus on professional growth, employees benefit from opportunities to lead cutting-edge research and collaborate with a diverse team of experts in microbiome science and bioinformatics. The company's commitment to employee development, coupled with its state-of-the-art facilities and a culture that values creativity and collaboration, makes it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in biotechnology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist role at Salient Bio, UK
✨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 The Phage. 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 The Phage!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist role at Salient Bio, UK
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 The Phage 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 The Phage.
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 The Phage 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 The Phage
✨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 The Phage. 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 The Phage'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 The Phage. This shows your passion for the industry!
