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Senior Scientist, Automated Diagnostic Systems
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Senior Scientist, Automated Diagnostic Systems
Oxford, UK | Molecular Diagnostics | Automation | NGS | Platform Development
An innovative and well-funded technology organisation is seeking a Senior Scientist to support the development of a next-generation sequencing-based diagnostic platform focused on infectious disease detection.
Working at the intersection of molecular biology, engineering, chemistry, and automation, you will play a key role in translating laboratory workflows into integrated automated diagnostic systems. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of a novel sample-to-answer platform from proof of concept through to prototype.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and optimise workflows for nucleic acid extraction, purification, library preparation, and sample processing.
- Translate manual molecular biology workflows into automated processes suitable for diagnostic platforms.
- Apply Design of Experiments (DoE) and quantitative approaches to optimise system performance.
- Identify bottlenecks, variability, and failure points across integrated workflows.
- Improve assay robustness, reproducibility, and scalability.
- Generate data-driven insights to inform platform design, including fluidics, automation, and reagent selection.
- Collaborate closely with scientists and engineers across multiple disciplines.
- Provide technical leadership and support prototype development activities.
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Requirements
- PhD, or equivalent industry experience, in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
- Experience developing molecular biology workflows within industrial or translational R&D environments.
- Proven experience automating or semi-automating molecular biology workflows.
- Experience integrating biological workflows into analytical, diagnostic, or cartridge-based platforms.
- Strong understanding of nucleic acid extraction, purification, and analysis.
- Experience designing robust experiments and interpreting complex datasets.
- Knowledge of assay performance, reproducibility, and development metrics.
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
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Desirable Experience
- Automated molecular diagnostic platform development.
- Cartridge-based sample preparation systems.
- Diagnostic or analytical instrument development.
- Sequencing library preparation automation.
- NGS, metagenomics, or sequencing-based diagnostics.
- Oxford Nanopore sequencing.
- Microfluidics and fluid handling technologies.
- Challenging clinical sample preparation workflows.
- Collaboration with software, systems, electrical, or mechanical engineering teams.
- Application of Design of Experiments (DoE).
Backgrounds of Interest
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Diagnostic Instrument Development
- Platform Development
- NGS Workflow Development
- Automated Sample Preparation
- Sequencing Technologies
- Microfluidics
- Biotechnology Product Development
- Translational R&D
Relocation support available. Sponsorship may be considered for exceptional candidates.
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