The Opportunity

AllegroMicroSystemsis building a pioneering team at the intersection of semiconductor technology and life sciences. We are seeking a highly motivatedSenior Research Associateto become a foundational member of our new Manchester Molecular Sensors Laboratory.

Working closely with the Principal Assay Scientist, you will play a key role in developing, validating, and scaling our Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) biosensor platform. This position is ideal for a hands-on scientist who enjoys laboratory experimentation, problem-solving, and translating biological assays into robust sensor-based diagnostic solutions.

You will contribute to the development of multi-modal assay workflows for protein, DNA, and RNA detection while helping establish the laboratory capabilities and processes needed to support future product development and customer applications.

What You Will Do

Assay Development & Optimization

• Execute and optimize biosensor assays across a variety of biological targets and sample matrices, including blood, serum, and saliva.

• Support development of protein, nucleic acid, and multiplexed assay formats for GMR sensing applications.

• Conduct experimental studies to improve assay performance, sensitivity, robustness, and reproducibility.

Surface Chemistry & Process Development

• Perform surface functionalization, bioconjugation, and immobilization processes on sensor substrates.

• Support the development, characterization, and optimization of surface chemistry workflows for biosensor manufacturing and scale-up.

• Contribute to process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing assay consistency and performance.

Data Analysis & Technical Innovation

• Analyze experimental results using tools such as Excel, JMP, Python, or equivalent platforms.

• Identify technical trends, troubleshoot assay challenges, and communicate findings clearly to project stakeholders.

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop innovative solutions for improving sensor performance and assay sensitivity.

Laboratory Operations

• Prepare reagents, buffers, controls, and test samples to support R&D activities.

• Maintain laboratory inventory, equipment calibration, documentation, and standard operating procedures.

• Ensure laboratory activities comply with safety and quality requirements.

Customer Applications & Product Support

• Assist in developing proof-of-concept demonstrations and customer-specific validation studies.

• Generate technical data and reports supporting customer evaluations, product verification, and manufacturing transfer activities.

• Support high-priority customer testing and application development efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing engineers to integrate biological assay requirements into system design.

• Provide biological and assay-development expertise during product development, verification, and troubleshooting activities.

What You Will Bring

• B.S. or M.S. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.

• 3-6 years of hands-on laboratory experience in biotechnology, diagnostics, medical devices, or related R&D environments.

• Experience with standard laboratory techniques, including pipetting, solution preparation, dilution series, ELISA, or molecular biology workflows.

• Experience with surface chemistry, bioconjugation, or immobilization of biological capture reagents.

• Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, and data analysis skills.

• Proficiency in Excel and statistical analysis tools; experience with JMP, Python, or equivalent software is highly desirable.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with biosensors, diagnostics, immunoassays, or molecular detection technologies.

• Familiarity with process development, manufacturing transfer, or semi-automated laboratory workflows.

• Experience working in highly multidisciplinary product development environments.

• Exposure to regulated product development or quality systems is a plus.