Principal Scientist

Our client’s company exists to help mankind win the war against pathogens. They identify problems in microbiology that were previously impossible to solve and develop new technology to solve them. They are an exciting start-up backed by the UK’s fastest growing pharmaceutical company (Qualasept Pharmaxo) aiming to revolutionise microbiology.

They are currently working with partners in the pharmaceutical manufacturing and veterinary diagnostics sector to develop their products:  

1)      SmartControl – Environmental monitoring software that seamlessly captures images of every sample to ensure data integrity with zero capital expenditure.

2)      SwiftDetect - A rapid test that can detect the presence or absence of a single cell in a large volume in under six hours, using their hybrid PCR technology.

What they are looking for

They are recruiting for a Principal Scientist to join the company to lead the development and commercialisation of SwiftDetect as well as to manage the research of future products. This highly sensitive microbial detection test will replace traditional sterility testing and validation activities within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. They are also developing the test for use in other sectors with two current projects in agriculture (testing for Bovine Tb, and testing for a crop pathogen). This role will play a critical part in driving the company to success in taking their exciting technology from lab bench to commercially available products.

What you will do

The Principal Scientist will work in close collaboration with other scientists in the team, academic advisors and company management. You will be a leader within the company and your role will report directly in to the Managing Director.

• Manage and organise the R&D Team to ensure the research programme deadlines are realised.
• Develop methodologies and conduct individual research projects, initially focussed on microbial detection methods with various applications, and in the future other research projects with a broader clinical diagnostic focus
• Collect and analyse data related to the project using qualitative and quantitative techniques and write up results.
• Be responsible for timetabling, meeting project milestones and the completion of projects within appropriate time constraints.
• Participate in regular discussions with the R & D team and disseminate results of projects as appropriate e.g. presentations, publishing in academic literature.
• Organise training and supervise staff on specific aspects within the laboratory and assess student knowledge.
• Prepare staff appraisals and objective setting, assessing performance and developing action plans with the assistance of the HR Manager
• Oversee the maintenance of the laboratory, calibration and validation of the laboratory equipment and stocks of materials, consumables etc.
• Maintain documentation systems and filing of all relevant records, reports and other documentation associated with projects
• Work in the Laboratory in a safe and effective manner and in accordance with the recommendations of the Guide to Good Laboratory Practice, local procedures and all relevant safety regulations including Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and report risks and poor practices.
• Supervising the operation of the R&D Laboratory in accordance with good laboratory practice (GLP).
• Act as a coach and mentor for members of the R&D team
• Keep up to date with research and technology in fields relevant to the company
• Commit to participate in out of hours working when required to meet the needs of a project.

What they are looking for

• PhD in microbiology/molecular biology or related subject
• A minimum of 3 years of post doc lab experience in either academia or industry
• Experience working in or collaborating with industry
• Experience managing or supervising a small team
• Evidence of interest in broader disciplines outside of core expertise
• Good knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
• Excellent oral, interpersonal and written communications skills
• Someone with initiative and creativity to achieve objectives and overcome obstacles
• Someone with real tenacity who sees failures as an opportunity to learn

Even better if you have…

• Experience working within a GMP, GLP or GCP environment
• Experience working with rapid microbiological methods     
• Experience working within oncology or related field
• Experience commercializing diagnostic tests

What you’ll get

• Salary range £40,000 to £55,000 per annum based on experience
• 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Generous company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Company bonus scheme (dependent on profit goals)
• Free breakfast and outdoor gym
• Funding and flexibility for new research projects

Our client is based in a new science park development in Corsham in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, with easy commutes from Bath, Bristol and Chippenham.

Please apply with a covering letter (including an overview of laboratory work and relevant experience) and your CV.

Closing date for applications is – Monday 29^th July 2019.  Interviews will take place towards the end of week commencing 5^th August 2019.  You will be contacted by Wednesday 31^st July 2019 if you have been shortlisted for an interview.

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