Diagnostic Molecular Scientist
Oxsed, United Kingdom
Job Description
Oxsed is an Oxford University spin-out founded during the pandemic to provide rapid, accurate and scalable COVID-19 testing. We have developed OxLAMP, a rapid nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) that can identify individuals infected by COVID-19 within 15 to 30 minutes. We have set up the UK’s first pre-departure airport rapid testing facility at Heathrow and are now deployed at multiple international airports within the UK. Long term, we aim to extend beyond COVID-19 testing and transform OxLAMP into the pillar to a host of diagnostic applications.
We are currently looking for talented and highly motivated scientists to help develop our next diagnostic product based on OxLAMP. The successful candidate will work closely with the academic founders at the University of Oxford and potentially lead a small team of researchers as the company grows. This is a rare opportunity to join the founders to develop disruptive technology in the healthcare industry and to help shape and build the culture of Oxsed.
- Work with the team to develop, optimise and establish new diagnostic products for different applications, including but not limited to:
- Sexually transmitted diseases - Herpes simplex virus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, HIV
- Dengue - Dengue virus I,II, III, IV
- Pneumonia - Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, Cryptococcus
- Urinary tract Infection - Escherichia coli
- Diarrhea/Food poisoning - Clostridium difficile, Salmonella
- Contribute to all aspects of OxLAMP technology development, including:
- Generation of LAMP primers using primer design software
- Execution of a number of LAMP assay development projects
- Design, build and test different LAMP workflows
- Collate, analyse, evaluate and present experimental data in written reports and oral presentations
- Manage project work based on development goal
- Support Quality Manager with experimental reports and Instruction For Use preparation
- Contribute ideas to scientific discussion to support product development
- Be up-to-date with the most relevant academic research on nucleic acid amplification test
- Contribute to manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications
- Contribute to the maintenance and housekeeping of a safe laboratory working environment
- 80% lab based, 20% administrative
Requirements
- PhD in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology or related discipline
- Vast experience in nucleic acid amplification methods (e.g. PCR, qPCR, LAMP)
- Wide experience in commonly used molecular biology methods and troubleshooting
- A team player with a high degree of flexibility
- Proven organisational and communication skills
- Applicants must have the right / permanent right to work in the UK
Desired
- Relevant industrial and product development experience in the life sciences sector
- Relevant publications or project work on molecular diagnostic tests for diseases
- Prior experience in structured product development processes and quality management systems