LEX Diagnostics is a spin out from TTP, The Technology Partnership. LEX are an ambitious, well-funded point-of-care diagnostics business. We believe that fast, accessible molecular diagnostics will have a fundamental impact on how infectious diseases are managed at point of care and beyond. Our technology is uniquely able to address this challenge and we are commercialising it with partners who share our ambition. You can read more about LEX here.

As an Assay Development Scientist, reporting to the Head of Assay Development, you will be part of the LEX Biology team, working to design, develop and transfer to manufacture high speed point of care diagnostic tests.

You will work across standard and next generation technologies, collaborating with other science and engineering teams to develop new tests and expand the capabilities of the LEX system.

A scientist with strong skills in Molecular biology is required to support the development of PCR based diagnostic tests, using reagents and instrumentation designed and developed by LEX. Working to develop rapid nucleic acid extraction technologies for cartridge based workflows as well as developing rapid amplification approaches, this role is a hands on laboratory based position.

The ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential to contribute to integrated development of a sample to result technology.

This role will suit a scientist with a passionate drive towards optimisation of PCR based assays and a desire to work in formal IVD development frameworks.

Requirements

To be successful in this position, you will have the following skills and experience:

• A degree in molecular biology, microbiology or a related discipline
• Significant hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques including RT and qRT-PCR, nucleic acid extraction and quantification
• Experience in experimental design, execution and data analysis
• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice
• Willingness to work on projects as part of a team with shifting priorities
• Strong communication skills, ability to present succinctly and clearly to others

The following skills and experience are desirable, but not essential:

• A PhD in a related discipline
• Experience in the IVD industry
• Experience working under ISO13485 or comparable standards
• Experience of lyophilisation and/or dry-down
• Experience in bacterial culture
• Previous experience working with microfluidics or integrated biological systems
• Experience of collaboration across disciplines, e.g. in engineering or data science

Benefits

Our benefits include:

• Annual profit-related bonus
• Employer pension contribution of 10% of basic salary
• Private medical insurance for employees and dependants
• Life insurance worth 6 x salary
• 25 days holiday with the option to carry over or bring forward 5 days
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Electric car leasing scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Public Transport Season ticket loan
• A wide range of social clubs and activities including squash, Zumba, yoga, arts and crafts and even our own rock band!
• Local sports facilities and theatre discounts and memberships as well as our own onsite gym to use

If you are passionate about developing ground-breaking medical devices and enjoy working in a collaborative team environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.