Principal Scientist, Bioanalytical & Molecular Assays (Genomics)

Location: hirify.global’s Harwell site in Oxford, England; 70% in-office work model

Company

hirify.global develops mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines across infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

What you will do

• Lead the design, development, optimization, validation, and delivery of molecular assays supporting clinical endpoints.
• Develop and implement RT-qPCR, dPCR, and NGS assays for gene expression, viral load, mRNA pharmacokinetics, RNA sequencing, single-cell sequencing, immune repertoire profiling, targeted DNA panels, and pathogen sequencing.
• Own end-to-end assay lifecycle activities, including method development, qualification, validation, clinical sample testing, reporting, and technology transfer to internal laboratories and CRO partners.
• Oversee quality control, data integrity, deviation investigations, CAPA activities, and inspection-readiness efforts.
• Provide scientific subject matter expertise and matrix leadership across clinical development programs from Phase 1 through Phase 3.
• Partner with Clinical Development, Biomarkers, Translational Medicine, Bioanalytics, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, Data, and IT teams to translate molecular and genomic data into program decisions.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genomics, or a related field with 9+ years of biotech or pharma experience, or an M.S. with 12+ years of directly relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience developing and validating clinical qPCR, dPCR, and NGS assays across complete workflows.
• Knowledge of GCLP/GLP, GxP, MHRA, and ICH expectations, phase-appropriate validation, and inspection readiness.
• Experience with library preparation, nucleic acid extraction, Bioanalyzer or TapeStation, qPCR/dPCR, and orthogonal quality control.
• Track record of building and validating bioinformatics pipelines and integrating genomics data and instrumentation with LIMS/ELN and data governance systems.
• Ability to work independently, lead multidisciplinary teams, mentor colleagues, and communicate complex scientific strategies to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, fast-moving environment focused on scientific rigor, innovation, and patient impact.
• Healthcare and voluntary benefit programs, plus fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support.
• Family-building support, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.
• Paid vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and year-end shutdown.
• Savings and investment programs and location-specific benefits.