Assay Development Scientist in Sheffield

Job description

A rapidly growing biotechnology company is seeking an Assay Development Scientist to drive the end-to-end development of single-molecule assay kits for pharmaceutical research applications. This is a hands-on, cross-functional position bridging product design and manufacturing — ideal for a scientist who combines technical depth with practical experience in developing robust, scalable assay products.

You’ll convert product specifications into validated, manufacturable kits optimized for advanced single-molecule detection platforms. The remit spans feasibility assessment, experimental design, optimization, validation, and technology transfer, ensuring each product meets rigorous scientific and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate product specifications into experimental objectives and development plans.
• Assess assay feasibility, component compatibility, and manufacturability within single-molecule workflows.
• Develop and optimize fluorescence-based assays (e.g. SmFRET, FCS, FCCS).
• Design and execute analytical validation studies for sensitivity, precision, and reproducibility.
• Define and implement quality control criteria and documentation for manufacturing transfer.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Management to ensure seamless scale-up.
• Provide technical data and support for pharmaceutical customer applications.

Essential Skills and Experience

• PhD (or equivalent industry experience) in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Proven track record in assay development, optimization, and validation for industrial or pharmaceutical use.
• Experience translating research assays into reproducible kit formats.
• Strong experimental design and quantitative analytical skills.
• Excellent documentation and communication abilities.
• Proven success managing cross-functional development projects.

Preferred

• Hands-on experience with single-molecule fluorescence techniques (smFRET, FCS, FCCS).
• Expertise in biochemical assay development for proteins, nucleic acids, or complex molecular systems.
• Familiarity with pharmaceutical assay development, kinetics, or screening.
• Exposure to design-for-manufacture, GLP, or ISO 13485-aligned frameworks.

The Offer

• Competitive salary
• Share options
• 4% employer pension contribution
• 26 days annual leave
• On-site, collaborative R&D environment
• Opportunity to shape a new generation of high-performance molecular assays for the pharmaceutical industry

Extra information

Status

Closed

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Sheffield

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English