Senior Scientist - Molecular Diagnostics (Production)

Our Company 

The Origin Group Limited (TOGL (Holdings) Ltd) is the parent organisation and technical service provider to a focused portfolio of UK-based medical technology, research, and innovation companies. Organisations within the group include Origin Sciences, Ellele Health and Biomii. Origin Sciences is a clinical-stage diagnostics company developing and commercialising novel medical devices for gastrointestinal diseases. Our proprietary sample collection technology underpins innovative diagnostic solutions across multiple diagnostic areas with a focus on colorectal cancer.

Currently, our diagnostic development programs primary focus is the detection of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) and pre-cancerous lesions. Our motivation is to streamline the colorectal cancer detection pathway, enabling healthcare systems to focus on those patients with serious pathologies, ultimately reducing waiting times, enabling earlier detection, and minimising unnecessary investigations performed on healthy patients.

The Role

The Senior Scientist is an experienced laboratory scientist in the field of life sciences, with a proven track record in molecular diagnostics, biomarker validation, PCR-based assays, NGS technologies and cancer genetics.

The Senior Scientist will support and lead laboratory processes, with a particular focus on molecular biology and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), as such a proven track record of PCR and NGS is essential. An honours degree in biological sciences, biomedical sciences, biochemistry or equivalent is required in addition to practical knowledge of biomarker validation, assay optimisation and working with clinical samples. Education to MSc/PhD level would be preferred, but extensive relevant laboratory experience is also acceptable for the role.

This position is part of the Production Team working to deliver a molecular diagnostics assay with associated NGS technologies. The Senior Scientist will work to operate, optimise and maintain validated laboratory processes, and to support the transfer and verification of new and updated methods into routine use. This position requires high attention to detail, the ability to critically assess data, to work to SOPs and a strong focus on quality and reproducibility. Skilled project and time management and the capacity to work well individually or as part of a team are essential. Additionally, the Senior Scientist may contribute to the assessment of new technologies and providers, and to the preparation of appropriate documentation for notified body submission.

The specific duties of a Senior Scientist are:

• Perform nucleic acid extraction and store biobank clinical samples.
• Support the implementation and verification of new and updated detection workflows.
• Liaise with the clinical trial teams to coordinate clinical sample deliveries.
• Complete stability, performance, and validation assays, followed by analysis and reporting.
• Execute and maintain established assays for routine sample testing.
• Work towards the goals of collaborative projects with external partners.
• Be accountable for the time, cost, and quality of agreed deliverables.
• Provide updates on the progress, risks, and opportunities of the agreed deliverables.
• Work within a regulated environment in accordance with ISO 13485 and ISO 15189
• Assess related diagnostic technologies and products.
• Contribute to scientific communication and documentation, including peer-reviewed publications, leaflets and posters, as required.
• Support the day-to-day management of laboratory pipelines and workflows, including sample tracking, scheduling, and throughput monitoring, to ensure the timely and reproducible delivery of results.
• To ensure projects are carried out in accordance with Origin's Quality Systems and Regulatory Standards.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Enthusiastic and self-motivated individual.
• MSc/PhD in Genetics, Epigenetics, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology or Biochemistry.
• Greater than 3 years of scientific research experience in next-generation sequencing and assay development.
• Excellent understanding of molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent attention to detail and record keeping.
• Ability to critically evaluate data, focusing on quality and reproducibility.
• Proficiency in time management, multitasking, and the ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.
• Good organisational skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Knowledge of epigenetics assays development.
• Experience working with clinical samples.
• Experience working in a regulated environment, e.g. Good Clinical Practice, ISO 13485 or other GxP.

• 25 days holidays
• Pension contribution
• Competitive Salary