Smiths Group
Scientist - Biotechnology
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Company Description
Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection’s threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.
Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defence, and urban security.
Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centres, with a global network of 3,000 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.
This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.
Job Description
Smiths Detection is seeking a talented and innovative Biotechnology Research Scientist to join our growing R&D team in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
Due to the nature of the sensitive projects you will be working on, we will also need to put the successful applicant through SC Level Clearance, we can not consider applicants that need sponsorship or are on a Visa.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of advanced biological detection technologies by applying your expertise in molecular biology, protein engineering and biotechnology research. Working within multidisciplinary project teams, you will play a key role in designing, executing and analysing experiments that support both future technology development and the enhancement of existing products.
If you are passionate about scientific discovery and hold a PhD in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering or a related scientific discipline, with experience in mammalian and bacterial expression vector design, molecular cloning, and recombinant protein expression and purification, we would love to hear from you
What You'll Be Doing
As a Biotechnology Research Scientist, you will:
- Conduct original research in biotechnology to develop innovative technologies for future products.
- Design, plan and execute experiments to evaluate new concepts, technologies and performance improvements.
- Lead or support work involving genetic engineering, molecular cloning, recombinant protein expression and purification.
- Develop and optimise biological reagents, processes and protocols.
- Analyse complex experimental data and present clear, evidence-based conclusions.
- Contribute to the development and validation of biological detection technologies.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, technical documentation and project reports.
- Identify knowledge gaps and propose new areas of scientific investigation.
- Collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, product managers and programme teams across the business.
- Provide technical expertise during proposal development, product design, testing and production activities.
- Support biotechnology laboratory management and help ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
- Stay at the forefront of scientific developments and bring innovative ideas into the organisation.
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Key Skills
- PhD in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering or a related scientific discipline.
- Experience in mammalian and bacterial expression vector design.
- Strong background in molecular cloning and recombinant protein expression and purification.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
- Ability to develop innovative solutions to scientific and technical challenges.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience presenting technical findings to a variety of audiences.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- A proactive, self-motivated approach with a passion for scientific innovation.
Why Join Smiths Detection?
At Smiths Detection, your work will contribute to technologies that help make the world a safer place. You'll join a collaborative and highly skilled team working on cutting-edge biotechnology research with real-world impact.
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Work on advanced biological detection technologies.
- Collaborate with leading scientists and engineers across multiple disciplines.
- Influence future product development through innovative research.
- Develop your expertise within a global technology organisation.
- See your scientific discoveries translate into practical solutions used around the world.
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Qualifications
- PhD in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemical Biology, Bioengineering or a related scientific discipline.
- Experience in mammalian and bacterial expression vector design.
- Strong background in molecular cloning and recombinant protein expression and purification.
- Experience with directed evolution and structure-guided protein engineering.
- Hands-on expertise in mammalian cell culture and stable cell line generation.
- Experience using reporter assay systems, including fluorescent and/or luminescent assays.
- Familiarity with protein lyophilisation processes.
- Demonstrated experience in experimental design, data analysis and scientific problem solving.
- Eligible to obtain UK SC level clearance.
Additional Information
Join us and we’ll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You’ll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.
Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website.
Grade: 10
Employee Group: Permanent
Global Region: Europe
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