Senior Scientist - Biology

Company Overview

Sphere Fluidics is an established Life Science company which provides instruments and specialist consumables for the global pharmaceutical and academic research community. The company has recently raised £26M in investment. We are growing quickly and have impressive plans requiring new and exciting skill-sets and global capabilities to support this period of growth.

Purpose of role

The purpose of the Senior Scientist – Biology is to develop customer-relevant assay kits and application notes and to carry out technology proof-of-concept projects with customers.  You will lead, and work in, our multi-disciplinary project teams finding new ways to apply droplet microfluidic technology to cell-based R+D processes and thus help our customers gain exciting, high-value biological insights today and in the future.

The role is part of the biology team within R+D.  As part of this team you will provide in-depth technical expertise in cell and molecular biology and associated assays to the company and ensure our assay and application development work is carried out to the highest possible scientific standards.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and execute development projects to create new assay kits and applications notes for carrying out novel biological assays in droplet format
• With the technical support team, plan and execute technical proof-of-concept projects with customers to assess how droplet technology can be applied to their R+D workflows and support sales
• Lead and manage biology-focused development projects within R+D
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of single-cell assay and analysis techniques through regular reviews of scientific literature and conference attendance
• Provide biology technical expertise to the company for ongoing R+D projects and customer support activities
• Assist in defining requirements for next-generation platforms based on latest assay techniques
• Assist in performing due diligence and assessment of competitive science and IP in the field of cell and molecular biology
• Assist in IP creation and filing
• With the marketing team, build the company’s external profile via publication of papers and conference posters
• Mentor and coach junior staff to improve their technical and scientific skills

 

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

• Doctoral degree in cell and / or molecular biology.
• Experience of working in biopharma or industrial biotech carrying out cell-based and molecular assays in a commercial context, familiar with the challenges and needs of industry carrying out cell-based scientific R+D.
• Able to think creatively and propose novel ideas for new application and assays.
• Experience of leading assay-focused design and development projects.
• Good data analysis and problem-solving skills, familiar with statistical techniques, able to identify root causes and implement robust action plans.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal. Able to explain complex technical ideas in straightforward ways to non-experts.
• Strong organizational skills, able to set standards and encourage others to succeed.

 

Desirable

• Knowledge of immunology, particularly the underlying cell-based processes.
• Familiar with microfluidics and associated instrumentation.
• Understanding of the biopharmaceutical discovery and development process.
• Familiar with product development processes, particularly requirements capture, project planning and delivery and verification / validation methods.
• Familiar with droplet techniques for biology R+D.
• Experience in working with technically astute customers

 

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Able to engage with others, listen, and communicate clearly.
• Able to work as part of a team and enjoy collaborating.
• Able to inspire other scientists and help them develop their skills and knowledge.
• Well organized and able to develop good processes.
• Able to make effective decisions and prioritise activities both short and long term.

Desirable

• Able to drive change and bring in new ideas and ways of doing things.
• Able to multi-task and cope with uncertainty.

 

The Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Employee Share Options (EMI Scheme).
• Company pension scheme with Aviva (employer contributes 8%).
• 4x Life Insurance & Critical Illness Cover.
• Private Medical Insurance with Vitality.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Group Income Protection.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Learning & Development opportunities for career growth.
• Long Service bonus – up to 5 extra days holiday.
• Recruitment referral scheme (£1,000).
• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance.

Sphere Fluidics strives to be an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce and follow the guidelines of the Equality Act.