Senior Scientist - Molecular Diagnostics (R&D) in Cambridge

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. 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.

As a Senior Scientist in our R&D team, you will help drive the development, optimisation and validation of the molecular biology methods, assays, protocols and products that underpin our diagnostics, working in the context of cancer molecular diagnostics. This is a hands-on, predominantly laboratory-based role for someone who wants to own their science end to end – from experimental design through to validated, well-documented methods ready for downstream use.

Main duties may include:

• Lead the development, optimisation and validation of molecular biology methods, assays and protocols, with a strong focus on NGS sample and library preparation.
• Design robust experiments using sound statistical principles, including Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data and translate findings into clear technical decisions.
• Write high-quality experimental plans, protocols and technical reports.
• Troubleshoot, transfer and continuously improve methods as the platform matures.
• Collaborate across R&D, operations, bioinformatics and quality functions.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Extensive relevant experience in NGS sample and library preparation.
• A proven track record in development and validation of methods or products, preferably within the Design Controls framework.
• Strong experimental design skills, including at least a working knowledge of DoE.
• Solid data analysis and interpretation skills, familiarity with Python and/or R.
• Excellent scientific writing – the ability to produce high-quality plans, protocols and reports.
• You will typically hold a PhD in molecular life science, complemented by postdoctoral and/or relevant industry experience – or offer equivalent depth of experience.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Biomarker discovery and validation.
• Liquid-handling and laboratory automation.
• Experience working within a quality management system (QMS) and familiarity with ISO 13485 and/or ISO 15189.
• Experience working with a LIMS.
• Familiarity with Human Tissue Authority (HTA) compliance.

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.