Principal Scientist - Assay Development

We currently have an opportunity available for a Principal Scientist - Assay Development to join a growing life sciences company based in the Edinburgh area. As the Principal Scientist - Assay Development you will be responsible for supporting an expanding client based within the field of drug discovery.

Your duties as the Principal Scientist - Assay Development will be varied however the key duties and responsibilities are as follows:

1. Develop cell and biochemical assays for screening. Providing scientific oversight, delivering guidance on experimental design, through to technical delivery where required.

2. Provide consultancy on project requests and act as a Scientific point of contact for ongoing client relationships.

3. Delegation of project tasks across the team to ensure accurate and timely delivery of client data and reports.

4. Actively interrogating scientific literature to understand relevant technical protocols and advances as necessary for driving forward bespoke client projects.

5. Ensuring accurate record keeping of all experimental work in the team, from initial protocol development, accurate lab notes, through to write up of results and report production, archiving.

6. Implementing quality control steps to ensure projects are conducted and delivered according to the standards expected, developing new or updating SOPs as required.

7. Taking a lead role in facilitating the optimisation of new assays, based on client demand and analysis of the competitive landscape. Where appropriate, providing training to others in the team.

8. Investigating new technologies and presenting ideas to Service Leads to innovate and expand our service offering.

9. Taking an active role in nurturing new and expanding existing client relationships. Presenting the company’s capabilities in an authoritative and engaging manner, in face-to-face meetings and by teleconferencing. Attending scientific and trade conferences to deliver oral presentations and posters and to assist in fielding enquiries to capture new commercial opportunities.

To be successful in your application to this exciting opportunity as the Principal Scientist - Assay Development we are looking to identify the following on your profile and past history:

1. Relevant degree, ideally PhD qualified, in a life sciences related discipline, eg, immunology, cell biology, pharmacology etc. You will also have a track record of post doctoral experience or experience gained in a CRO/biotech/pharma setting

2. Proven experience in drug discovery and development processes, including experience of assay development.

3. Supervisory / management experience would be an advantage.