Research Associate, Assay Development (Molecular Diagnostics)

Location: Oxford, United Kingdom; on-site

Company

hirify.global' Sherlock Biosciences R&D department develops molecular diagnostic assay technologies.

What you will do

• Perform defined molecular biology, biochemical, and wet-laboratory experiments according to approved protocols, SOPs, safety requirements, and experimental plans.
• Set up PCR, RT-PCR, and isothermal amplification assays; prepare primer mixes, reagents, samples, controls, and serial dilutions.
• Support assay feasibility, optimisation, development, verification, validation, and transfer activities under senior supervision.
• Maintain contamination control, biosafety, laboratory organisation, equipment checks, stock management, and safe waste disposal.
• Record, analyse, and summarise experimental data while escalating anomalies, deviations, quality concerns, and safety issues.
• Communicate results and technical observations and collaborate with R&D colleagues in meetings, training, and troubleshooting reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, biomedical science, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical laboratory training and experience.
• Practical wet-lab experience from study, placement, internship, apprenticeship, academic research, or early-career employment.
• Knowledge of nucleic acids, amplification principles, primer and probe function, assay controls, contamination control, and laboratory calculations.
• Accurate pipetting, solution and dilution preparation, reagent handling, sample labelling, and basic data analysis using Microsoft Excel or equivalent.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols, SOPs, work instructions, safety requirements, and quality expectations consistently.
• Ability to work on-site in Oxford and handle biological materials in accordance with applicable biosafety and containment requirements.

Nice to have

• Master's degree, postgraduate research project, or additional specialist training.
• Experience with molecular diagnostics, PCR, qPCR, RT-PCR, LAMP, RT-LAMP, nucleic acid extraction, or restriction enzyme digestion.
• Experience handling clinical or biological samples at CL2 or using Class II microbiological safety cabinets.
• Familiarity with ELNs, LIMS, QMS platforms, controlled document systems, design controls, verification, validation, or assay transfer.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time role within the Sherlock Biosciences R&D function.
• Initial supervision and structured training in company procedures, equipment, documentation systems, biosafety, and quality-system requirements.
• Opportunities to increase responsibility for laboratory organisation, data summaries, technical observations, and troubleshooting as competence develops.
• Collaborative work across R&D and other functions in a regulated molecular diagnostics environment.