At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative PCR diagnostic products and services.
- Company: Join Yourgene Health, a leader in genomic medicine and diagnostics.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and a vibrant work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on human health through cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in life sciences and 7+ years of relevant industry experience required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job title: Senior Scientist (PCR team)
Reports to: PCR Product Development Team Leader
Location: Manchester Science Park, M15 6SH
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary & Benefits: Competitive Salary + Benefits Package
About Yourgene Health:
Yourgene Health is a leading integrated technologies and services business, enabling the delivery of genomic medicine. The group works in partnership with global leaders in DNA technology to advance diagnostic science. Our mission to enable scientific advances to positively impact human health remains at the core of our focus. It drives and motivates us to develop class leading products and services to meet our customers’ needs.
Yourgene primarily develops, manufactures, and commercialises simple and accurate molecular diagnostic solutions, for reproductive health, precision medicine and infectious diseases. We have a comprehensive offering of non-invasive prenatal tests (NIPT) NGS workflows that have been built with labs in mind, and clinical prenatal screening services. The IONA® test was the pioneer, the first to market as an IVD product, changing the NIPT screening landscape back in 2015. Continuing to build on our expertise in cell-free DNA, our next generation size selection Ranger® Technology uses machine vision for superior precision. With multiple platforms for a range of clinical and research cfDNA sample preparation applications including NIPT, liquid biopsy, gene synthesis and long fragment recovery.
In addition, we offer a portfolio of screening products in reproductive health, precision medicine and infectious disease including screening assays for cystic fibrosis and DPYD genotyping to prevent chemotoxicity.
Yourgene Genomic Services provides a range of genetic analysis services for our clinical, research and pharma customers to support partners with DNA extractions, biobanking, genotyping, arrays and sequencing workflows (WES and WGS). Yourgene Genomic Services offers a Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) Service, enabling clinics to run their own NIPT service for pregnant women with our prenatal screening tests and service laboratory based in Manchester.
Yourgene Health is part of the Novacyt group of companies and is headquartered in Manchester, UK with facilities in Singapore and Canada.
Our Culture:
Yourgene is a growing, vibrant and exciting place to work, we are looking for committed driven individuals to be part of our next growth journey. Our culture is described by our employee\’s as collegiate, friendly, professional, innovative, open and fast paced. We have many social and wellbeing initiatives run by our Nova Social and Charity Huddle that keep our sense of community and togetherness alive. At Yourgene we focus on putting values led programmes in place to ensure that we can attract, retain and develop our people. We want our people to have a career with Yourgene and we ensure that they are recognised and rewarded for their achievements and commitment, everyone plays a critical role in our growth journey.
Description of role:
Yourgene Health, part of the Novacyt Group, are recruiting for a Senior Scientist within our PCR Diagnostics Team based at Manchester Science Park. The Senior Scientist will work alongside the PCR Team Leader to lead the tactical delivery and development of PCR based in vitro diagnostic products and services.
Overall responsibility:
The Senior Scientist will provide scientific expertise and technical leadership on development projects ensuring tactical planning is performed effectively and consider problems at a system level. In addition, the Senior Scientist will design and develop in vitro PCR diagnostic products/ services for use in a range of applications to high quality and in a timely fashion. The scope will include PCR products developed in line with ISO 13485 and IVDR regulations.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Perform laboratory based technology development using molecular biology techniques including PCR and qPCR.
- Independently design and execute experimental laboratory procedures.
- Work collaboratively with others in the team, troubleshooting issues and suggesting next steps to resolve these whilst maintaining an innovative spirit.
- Analyse experimental results, providing detailed conclusions and identifying technical solutions.
- Effective management of required documentation in accordance with company Quality Management System and ISO 13485 regulations.
- Provides scientific expertise and technical leadership on projects, as well as planning tactical delivery in functional area.
- Lead and participate in activities requiring cross functional collaboration, including leading complex projects.
- Support the resource planning activities of Team Leaders and Project Leaders.
- Provide expertise into the creation, maintenance and improvement of;
- Overall process SOPs.
- Process flows, standardized plans & reports.
- Ensure planning and reporting of studies and work-packages is accurate and detailed.
- Design effective and efficient studies involving;
- Accurate, efficient and timely documentation.
- Developing and implementing protocols to show that tests meet acceptance criteria.
- Data generation, ensuring integrity and organized data management.
- Provide accurate, concise and independent data interpretation, factoring in systems-level thinking.
- Determining test parameters, such as output specifications.
- Meeting regulatory or other requirements.
- Lead troubleshooting activities when technical issues arise.
- Supports the development of external relationships, including through for example, grant applications, KOLs and partners.
- Supports the identification of commercially and technically useful solutions for development.
- Ensure own work meets regulatory & quality requirements (including compliance to SOPs, documentation using lab books, study plans, study reports and integrity of data).
- Ensure own work and that of junior staff is performed in line with company goals.
- Provide support and guidance to junior staff.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
- Degree or further degree in a life science such as molecular biology, biochemistry or genetics
- Typically 7+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Experience in the development, verification and validation of molecular diagnostics assays in adherence with CE marking and/or Design Control Regulations, ideally within IVDR and ISO 13485 regulations.
- Hands on experience with PCR based assays including proficiency in primer and probe design and the use of Bioinformatics software (e.g. Geneious or equivalent).
- Experience with a range of PCR assay types including qPCR, dPCR and isothermal PCR.
- Analysis of data and interpretation of results.
- Capable of independently performing experimental design and execution.
- Enthusiasm, drive, thoroughness, diligence and a willingness to take personal responsibility to ensure that projects are successful.
- Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Good organizational skills and thrives on working to tight deadlines.
- Can summarize scientific data in written form to effectively communicate plans, progress and ideas with Management, Peers or External Audiences.
- Good IT skills including Microsoft Office Suite and use of the statistical analysis software, JMP.
Closing Date:
Sunday 16th November, 2025
Equal opportunities:
Yourgene Health and the Novacyt Group of companies provides equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic predisposing characteristics or any other basis prohibited by law.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives:
Yourgene Health and the Novacyt Group of companies is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Yourgene Health and Novacyt Group employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written and signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Yourgene Health and the Novacyt Group of companies. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.
Senior Scientist (PCR team) employer: Yourgene Health
Contact Detail:
Yourgene Health Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientist (PCR team)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Scientist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into Yourgene Health’s products and services. Familiarise yourself with their PCR technologies and recent advancements. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission of advancing genomic medicine.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role and how you can add value to the PCR team. We want to hear about your hands-on experience with PCR assays and how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Yourgene family and contributing to our exciting growth journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientist (PCR team)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Scientist role. Highlight your experience with PCR and molecular diagnostics, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've led or contributed to.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about genomic medicine and how your skills align with our mission at Yourgene Health. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love collaboration at Yourgene! In your application, share examples of how you’ve worked effectively in teams, especially in troubleshooting and project management. It’s all about that innovative spirit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our vibrant team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Yourgene Health
✨Know Your PCR Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PCR techniques, especially qPCR and dPCR. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these methods, including any specific projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but have practical expertise.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, particularly in a lab setting. Think about times when you had to troubleshoot an experiment or adapt protocols. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and work collaboratively within a team.
✨Understand Regulatory Standards
Familiarise yourself with ISO 13485 and IVDR regulations, as these are crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past projects, and how you would approach maintaining quality standards in your work at Yourgene Health.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice summarising complex scientific data in a way that's easy to understand. During the interview, focus on clear communication, whether you're discussing your research or answering questions. This will highlight your excellent interpersonal skills and ability to convey information effectively.