Senior Research & Development Scientist

Job DescriptionRole Title: Senior Research & Development ScientistContract type: Permanent.Company OverviewConidia Bioscience is a growing, SME organisation which develops, manufactures, and markets innovative tests to detect microbiological contamination in fuels. Conidia has a global presence with ambitious plans to penetrate new markets through customer focussed technical solutions.To help deliver on our strategic aims, we are seeking a flexible and self-motivated Senior Scientist to join our R&D team. Reporting to our Head of Innovation, you will play a key role in the running of the R&D laboratory, managing day-to-day laboratory and production-related activities and provide technical support to innovation activities. The ideal candidate will have expertise in Microbiology, Lateral flow tests/rapid Diagnostics preferably with working knowledge of Immunoassays and Molecular Biology.This will be a laboratory-based position, initially located at our R&D facilities in Egham (Surrey, UK) with a move to a brand-new laboratory on the Surrey Research Park (Guildford) in September.Conidia is SME and the lab requires someone who is flexible and thrives working in a small team environment.Role purpose:The purpose of this role is to support and maintain the high level of research product development activities undertaken within the research facilities at Conidia Bioscience. This role will be a blend of practical research & development, exploring new product concepts, troubleshooting, and supporting production and quality control activities, laboratory management, Health & Safety, and technical support taking on the many challenging facets required by the business. Main responsibilities:Planning and execution of research and development work (day-to-day work in a Microbiology/ Rapid test development lab).Responsible for validation of manufactured batches of products.Documenting and communicating research outputs to internal audiences through internal business reports and verbal communications.Contribution to setting up formal QC processes for the Conidia lab.Provision of QC support and stability testing of products.Working closely with our external R&D and manufacturing partners on technical challenges.Interface between R&D and manufacturing for new products.Contribution to laboratory quality management/ quality assurance.Lab management (including the everyday management of the laboratory facilities and supporting the management of associated staff).Responsible for laboratory Health and Safety.Where appropriate, provide technical support/advice to customers.Support the process to achieve/maintain standard status for new and existing products.Hands-on support of innovation activities, such as feasibility of new concepts and validation of externally sourced technologies.Participation in thought leadership activities, e.g., through attendance of relevant and appropriate scientific conferences and technical industrial meetings.Skills and ExperienceEssentialMinimum 3 years laboratory experience within the commercial sector or relevant demonstrated academic experience.PhD (or master's degree and minimum 3 years relevant lab experience) in a Microbiology (preferably Environmental Microbiology)- related field.Proficient in standard Microbiology procedures (e.g., aseptic techniques, maintenance of pure cultures, setting up of laboratory microcosms and working with microbial consortia) and relevant quality control activities.Experience in one or more of the following areas: Immunoassays (e.g., ELISAs, Lateral flow devices), rapid diagnostics tests.Willingness and ability to perform standard and non-standard laboratory procedures (training will be provided when necessary).Ability to keep up to date with new technologies and scientific literature.Ability to independently plan, execute, interpret, and report results to colleagues at all levels within the company.Experience in general lab management, including maintaining clear laboratory records.Willingness to take responsibility and maintain laboratory Health & Safety procedures (e.g., RAs, COSHH).Strong relationship building and communication skills to effectively collaborate with external partners.Self-reliant, self-motivated and a dependable member of the technical team.Must be comfortable presenting, proactively debating and “positively and constructively” debating with our competitors and other industry individuals.DesirableExperience in Molecular Biology (e.g. qPCR), focusing on microbial community analysis in environmental samples.Data analysis & Bioinformatics experience.Willingness to travel within the UK and overseas, depending on business needs.Key benefitsPrivate Health InsuranceStatutory Pension SchemeCar Parking Space
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