Research Associate, Assay Development

1. Conduct defined molecular biology, biochemical and wet-laboratory experiments in accordance with approved protocols, SOPs, work instructions, safety requirements and experimental plans.
2. Perform assay-development activities such as PCR, RT-PCR, isothermal amplification setup, primer-mix preparation, nucleic acid handling, target addition, serial dilutions and reagent preparation, as trained and authorised.
3. Prepare, label, aliquot, store and manage reagents, samples and consumables; check lot numbers, expiry dates, storage conditions, sample identifiers and required controls before use.
4. Support assay feasibility, optimisation, development, verification, validation and transfer activities under the direction of senior team members.

1. Follow contamination-control practices appropriate for nucleic acid amplification workflows, including designated work areas, PPE, controls, consumables and unidirectional workflow principles where applicable.
2. Handle clinical specimens and biological materials in accordance with applicable biosafety and containment requirements, including use of a Class II microbiological safety cabinet where required and appropriately trained.
3. Maintain an organised laboratory workspace and support equipment checks, stock management, consumable preparation, housekeeping and safe waste disposal.

1. Generate, collect, analyse and summarise experimental data with guidance from senior colleagues.
2. Maintain complete, accurate, attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original and accurate records in the electronic laboratory notebook and other controlled systems.
3. Perform routine calculations and basic analysis, including dilution calculations, concentration calculations, preparation volumes, tabulation of results, basic graphical summaries and simple statistical summaries.
4. Promptly escalate anomalies, unexpected or ambiguous results, suspected sample/reagent issues, deviations, data-integrity concerns, quality issues and safety concerns.

1. Communicate experimental progress, results, constraints and technical observations clearly to the supervisor and project team.
2. Contribute to assigned activities across assay development projects and collaborate effectively with colleagues within R&D and other functions.
3. Participate constructively in project meetings, laboratory discussions, training activities and troubleshooting reviews.

Education / experience

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, biomedical science or relevant discipline, or equivalent practical laboratory training and experience. Practical wet-lab experience from study, placement, internship, apprenticeship, academic research or early-career employment.

Master's degree, postgraduate research project or additional specialist training. Experience in molecular diagnostics, life sciences, medical devices, clinical research or another regulated environment.

Technical knowledge and skills

Understanding of nucleic acids, amplification principles, primer/probe function, assay controls, contamination control and routine laboratory calculations. Accurate pipetting, solution/dilution preparation, reagent handling and sample labelling.

Experience with PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, LAMP, RT-LAMP, nucleic acid extraction, restriction enzyme digestion, clinical/biological sample handling at CL2 or Class II microbiological safety cabinets.

Data, documentation and quality

Good data-recording and basic data-analysis skills, including Microsoft Excel or equivalent. Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols, SOPs, work instructions, safety requirements and quality expectations consistently.

Familiarity with ELNs, LIMS, QMS platforms, controlled document systems, design controls, verification, validation, assay transfer or assay outputs such as Ct, time-to-positive, endpoint fluorescence using spot and population metrics.

Communication and working style

Effective written and oral communication; ability to ask questions, respond constructively to guidance, work collaboratively, organise assigned tasks and develop technical skills through feedback and training.

Experience preparing technical summaries, presentations or lab reports. Interest in scientific problem-solving, assay development, molecular diagnostics, regulated product development or bioinformatics-based assay design.