The OpportunityAllegro MicroSystems is expanding its technology portfolio by integrating high-precision semiconductor sensing with advanced biochemistry, developing a lab on chip solution for point of care diagnostics. We are seeking a
Principal Assay Scientist to lead the biochemical development and application of our Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) biosensor platform. This is a foundational role within a specialized internal venture, where you will be responsible for the "wet-ware" and surface chemistry that allows our sensors to interface with complex biological systems.
As a hands-on leader, you will establish our Manchester-based biochemistry lab, oversee the development of diverse assay formats, and work directly with global customers to transition their biological and diagnostic applications onto our sensing platform.
What You Will Do- Foundational Lab Leadership: Establish and oversee a new biochemistry R&D laboratory in Manchester. You will define SOPs, manage safety protocols, and lead a small, agile team (initially 1-2 members) to support rapid prototyping and validation.
- Multi-Modal Assay Development: Lead the design and optimization of various assay formats, including sandwich and competitive architectures. You will work across a wide range of targets (Proteins, DNA, RNA) and sample matrices (e.g., whole blood, serum, saliva) to prove platform versatility.
- Surface Chemistry & Interface Engineering: Optimize the functionalization of sensor surfaces. You will develop robust protocols for tethering capture molecules to semiconductor-based sensor stacks while minimizing non-specific binding and ensuring long-term reagent stability.
- Field Applications & Customer Success: Serve as the Lead Field Applications Scientist (FAS). You will support early-adopter customers by creating proof-of-concept samples, validating their specific use cases, and traveling to customer sites to assist with technical bring-up and method transfer.
- Production & Method Transfer: Collaborate with microfluidic, packaging, and manufacturing engineers to ensure biochemical methods are compatible with high-volume production and cartridge assembly processes.
What You Will Need- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field.
- 8-12 years of experience in Assay Development within the diagnostics or life sciences industry. Proven success in taking an assay from early-stage concept through to a validated method.
- Deep expertise in immunoassays and/or molecular diagnostic techniques.
- Strong understanding of surface functionalization (e.g., silanes, PEGylation, or related chemistry).
- Experience working with microfluidic systems or "Lab-on-a-Chip" platforms.
- A "hands-on" entrepreneurial approach. You must be comfortable wearing many hats-from bench work and lab management to technical sales support and high-level strategy.
- Ability to bridge the gap between biochemistry and electronic engineering.
- Ability to travel up to 25% to support global customer integration and production bring-up.
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