At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on laboratory work for molecular diagnostics and drive qPCR assay verification.
- Company: Join The Origin Group, a pioneering medical technology company in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and employee wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Dynamic lab environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in early cancer detection and improve healthcare outcomes.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in relevant fields with advanced qPCR expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our Company
The Origin Group Limited (TOGL (Holdings) Ltd) is the parent organisation and technical service provider to a focused portfolio of UK-based medical technology, research, and innovation companies. Organisations within the group include Origin Sciences, Ellele Health, and Biomii. Based in Granta Park, Cambridge, UK, the organisation has established and managed several clinical studies to collect and biobank a range of sample types, including mucus-based biospecimens using our proprietary medical device. The biobank provides a valuable source of clinical material that we use for research, method/technology development, and the creation of diagnostic assays. Currently, our primary focuses are in the early detection of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) and pre-cancerous lesions as well as cancers of the gynaecological tract.
The Role
The Assay Verification Scientist will be the hands-on scientific lead for the laboratory supporting TOGL Group's confidential molecular diagnostics programme. The role will drive qPCR assay verification across multiple instrument platforms, laboratory readiness, controlled workflows and complex technical troubleshooting. The post holder will generate robust, traceable evidence that assays and workflows meet defined performance requirements and are suitable for transfer and future operation. Reporting to the Director of Innovation, the post holder will work closely with Quality, Regulatory, Clinical, Operations, Data, suppliers, external laboratories and development partners.
Requirements
- Assay verification: Plan, execute, analyse and report verification and supporting validation studies covering pre-analytics, nucleic-acid extraction, qPCR chemistry, controls, instruments, software and result generation.
- Multi-platform qPCR: Develop, optimise, transfer and compare qPCR assays across instrument platforms; establish platform-specific settings, acceptance criteria and evidence of equivalent performance.
- Performance studies: Evaluate limit of detection, precision and reproducibility, accuracy or agreement, analytical specificity, linearity or dynamic range, interference, robustness, stability and lot-, operator- and instrument-to-instrument variability.
- qPCR interpretation and troubleshooting: Assess Ct/Cq behaviour, baselines and thresholds, amplification efficiency, standard curves, inhibition, control performance, non-specific amplification, multiplex interactions, drift, contamination and instrument or software issues.
- Quality control: Define run-validity rules, control strategies, retest and discordance pathways, contamination controls and escalation criteria; reject or pause work where validity, safety or data integrity is at risk.
- Laboratory readiness: Maintain equipment qualification, calibration and maintenance, reagent and reference-material controls, inventory, risk assessments, SOPs, training and competency records.
- Technical documentation: Author clear protocols, reports, SOPs and technical summaries; maintain complete traceability and support deviations, CAPA, change control, design reviews and regulatory documentation.
- Collaboration and transfer: Communicate scientific risks and recommendations to the Director of Innovation and to the broader team, support assay transfer to internal or external laboratories, and train or mentor laboratory personnel as the team develops.
Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
- Degree: MSc or PhD in molecular biology, biomedical science, microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics or a closely related discipline.
- Advanced qPCR expertise: Substantial hands-on experience developing, optimising, verifying and validating qPCR assays.
- Multiple platforms: Advanced practical experience on at least two major qPCR instrument platforms, including transfer or comparison of assays between systems and management of platform-specific differences.
- Multiplex assay knowledge: Strong understanding of multiplex qPCR, assay chemistry, primer and probe performance, channel selection, spectral overlap, optimisation and control design.
- Data interpretation: Deep understanding of Ct/Cq values, amplification curves, baseline and threshold settings, efficiency, standard curves, dynamic range, inhibition, controls and acceptance criteria.
- Molecular workflow: Strong practical experience with nucleic-acid extraction, specimen and matrix effects, pre-analytical variables and contamination molecular workflows.
- Verification design: Experience defining acceptance criteria and evaluating analytical sensitivity, specificity, agreement, precision, robustness, interference and stability using scientifically sound study designs.
- Regulated environment: Experience in IVD, clinical/molecular diagnostics, biotechnology or another quality-controlled laboratory setting, with working knowledge of SOPs, deviations, CAPA, change control, document control and data integrity.
- Delivery and communication: Ability to take ownership of laboratory deliverables, analyse complex data, write clear technical documents and explain evidence, uncertainty and risk to different stakeholders.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
- Direct experience with Thermo Fisher QuantStudio and Roche LightCycler platforms, particularly QuantStudio 5/7 and LightCycler 480 II; experience with Bio-Rad CFX, Qiagen Rotor-Gene or equivalent systems is also relevant.
- Experience with automated extraction, liquid handling, digital PCR, LIMS.
- Knowledge of ISO 13485, ISO 15189 and applicable UK or EU IVD requirements.
- Experience in clinical molecular diagnostics, supporting regulatory submissions, or transferring assays between development and operational laboratories.
About you
You stay effective when priorities change frequently and are comfortable working with a degree of ambiguity. You are self-motivated and can drive projects forward with minimal supervision, taking strong ownership and accountability for your work. You thrive in a direct feedback culture: you give clear, timely and constructive feedback to colleagues, managers and reports, and you receive feedback in the same spirit. You keep a level head under deadline pressure.
Practical details
Location: On-site at Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridgeshire, CB21 6AD. This is a hands-on laboratory role and cannot be performed remotely.
Hours: Full-time. Occasional work outside standard hours may be required to meet project deadlines.
Right to work: You must have the right to work in the UK.
Benefits
25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays). Pension contribution. Competitive Salary. Employee wellbeing initiatives.
Senior Scientist - Assay Verification Molecular Diagnostics in Cambridge employer: TOGL
The Origin Group Limited offers an exceptional work environment for Laboratory Technicians in Molecular Diagnostics, particularly for those passionate about advancing colorectal cancer screening. With a strong focus on innovation and employee growth, TOGL provides opportunities to engage in meaningful projects while enjoying a supportive culture that values flexibility and collaboration. Located in the UK, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to professional development within a pioneering medical technology landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist - Assay Verification Molecular Diagnostics in Cambridge
✨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!
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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 TOGL. 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 TOGL!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist - Assay Verification Molecular Diagnostics in Cambridge
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 TOGL 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 TOGL.
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 TOGL 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 TOGL
✨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 TOGL. 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 TOGL'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 TOGL. This shows your passion for the industry!
