Senior Lab Scientist

Job Purpose

We’re looking for an experienced LBA technician to provide short-term technical oversight, independent observation, and rapid improvement of an immunoassay laboratory at a bioanalytical CRO. This is a hands-on, senior technical role: you will assess current operations and assays, troubleshoot and stabilise critical workflows, mentor bench staff, and deliver concrete, documented process and quality improvements that support timely study delivery in a regulated environment.
This is a temporary, purpose-driven assignment: you will be expected to diagnose key pain points quickly and leave the lab in a measurably stronger position (better protocols, fewer deviations, clearer training, and improved assay performance).

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Provide technical leadership, mentorship and direct hands-on support for immunoassay workflows (development, validation, sample analysis, troubleshooting).


• Conduct a rapid technical audit of the immunoassay lab: workflows, SOPs, assay performance, QC/acceptance criteria, equipment, reagent inventory, and staff competencies. Produce a prioritized corrective/improvement plan and present findings to management.


• Troubleshoot failing assays and analytical variabilities (e.g., high background, matrix effects, poor precision/accuracy) and implement root-cause fixes.


• Lead assay transfers and re-establish performance for critical assays where needed.


• Implement or refine process controls, in-process checks, calibration and maintenance routines for key instruments (absorbance readers, MSD, plate washers etc.)


• Improve data integrity practices and documentation (raw data handling, audit trails, bench notes etc.).


• Coach and train bench staff on best practices, assay troubleshooting, and assay documentation expectations.


• Support study timelines by providing senior bench resource when critical assays are high priority.


• Escalate and communicate risks, status, and mitigation plans to lab management as required.
  

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related life-science field (BSc minimum; MSc preferred).


• 8+ years direct hands-on experience developing, validating and running ligand-binding immunoassays (ELISA, MSD or similar) in a regulated bioanalytical environment (CRO/pharma).


• Demonstrated experience in assay troubleshooting, method transfer, and rapid problem resolution.


• Practical knowledge of regulatory and quality requirements (GLP, GCP, ISO 17025 or equivalent).


• Strong data integrity and documentation practice (electronic and paper records).


• Proven ability to write clear technical reports, SOPs and validation/verification summaries.


• Excellent interpersonal skills; experience training and mentoring junior staff.


• Ability to work onsite full-time during the contract period and to start quickly.
  

Competencies & soft skills

• Rapid diagnostic thinking — able to triage assays/issues quickly and propose pragmatic fixes.


• Clear communicator — able to present technical findings to management and clients.


• Collaborative and coaching orientation — can teach others without creating dependency.


• Meticulous attention to detail in documentation and data handling.


• Calm under pressure and focused on delivering measurable outcomes in a compressed timeframe.
  

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CV/RESUME IS SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH.