At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of next-gen electrochemical biosensors and diagnostic assays.
- Company: Innovative diagnostics company focused on real-world impact.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, collaborative environment, and opportunities for mentorship.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on scientific innovation and commercial viability.
- Why this job: Combine hands-on science with leadership to solve challenging technical problems.
- Qualifications: Experience in electrochemical biosensors and biomedical diagnostics required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Most biosensor projects don't fail because of the assay. They fail because nobody fully understands the sensor.
If you've built electrochemical biosensors in industry, you'll know that generating a signal is only part of the challenge. The difficult part is creating a sensor that remains sensitive, stable, manufacturable and commercially viable once it leaves the lab.
We're looking for a Principal Scientist to lead the development of next-generation electrochemical biosensors and diagnostic assays whilst remaining deeply involved in the science itself. This is not a management role disguised as a scientific role. It's for somebody who wants to lead the science, shape technical direction, mentor other scientists and solve difficult problems, whilst still remaining closely connected to experimental design, data interpretation and sensor development.
Why This Principal Scientist Role Is Interesting
Most senior scientists eventually get pushed in one of two directions:
- Stay hands-on and become increasingly specialised.
- Move into leadership and slowly drift away from the science.
This role offers the opportunity to do both. You'll lead a highly capable team developing advanced electrochemical biosensors whilst remaining deeply involved in the scientific and technical challenges that determine whether a sensor platform ultimately succeeds or fails.
The work sits at the intersection of:
- Electrochemistry
- Sensor engineering
- Diagnostics
- Assay development
- Product development
- Commercialisation
The Problems You'll Be Solving
You'll be helping drive development across areas including:
- Electrochemical biosensors
- Diagnostic assay development
- Sensor architecture and design
- Biofunctionalisation
- Electrochemical signal generation
- Signal acquisition and optimisation
- Sensor integration
- Wet-to-dry assay translation
- Sensor manufacturability and scalability
- Performance verification and optimisation
You'll be working with scientists, engineers and commercial teams to turn robust scientific concepts into commercially viable diagnostic products.
We'd like to speak to Scientists who have experience in:
- Electrochemical biosensors
- Biomedical diagnostics
- Immunosensors
- Enzymatic sensors
- Nucleic acid sensors
- Electrochemical characterisation techniques
- Assay development
- Biofunctionalisation
- Sensor development
- Translational R&D
Experience gained within:
- Diagnostics companies
- Medical devices
- Spin-outs
- Venture-backed technology businesses
- Commercial R&D organisations would all be highly relevant.
The sort of person who will thrive here:
You're probably somebody who:
- Enjoys understanding how sensors actually work
- Likes solving difficult technical problems
- Challenges assumptions rather than accepting them
- Enjoys mentoring and developing others
- Can balance scientific rigour with commercial reality
- Still gets excited by experimental results
- Wants to build technology that has real-world impact
You may currently be a:
- Principal Scientist
- Lead Scientist
- Senior Scientist
- Principal Development Scientist
- Sensor Scientist
- Electrochemist
Or perhaps you're already doing much of the role but without the title.
The Important Bit
We're not looking for somebody to manage science. We're looking for somebody to lead it.
Salary: Negotiable
Vacancy Location: Scotland
For more about this opportunity please contact Adam Mayne.
Principal Scientist - Sensors & Diagnostics in Larbert employer: Vector Recruitment
Join a leading specialist in CHP and power generation, where you'll be part of a supportive engineering culture that values your growth and expertise. With opportunities for specialist training and exposure to diverse engineering challenges, this role offers strong long-term career prospects in a resilient sector. Enjoy the benefits of a home-based position with a company van and excellent perks while making a meaningful impact on energy sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Scientist - Sensors & Diagnostics in Larbert
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Vector Recruitment, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Vector Recruitment. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Scientist - Sensors & Diagnostics in Larbert
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Vector Recruitment. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Vector Recruitment. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vector Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Vector Recruitment. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Vector Recruitment to drive research projects forward.
