Principal Scientist

We are seeking a confident and experienced Principal Scientist to join Scantox at Alderley Park to establish a brand-new on-site service laboratory for next generation duplex sequencing using a well established methodology DuplexSeq. This is an exciting opportunity to build a team and play a key role in launching a cutting-edge service line for Scantox. The Principal Scientist will be integral to the successful introduction of this technology leading an effective efficient and high-quality service.

About us

Based in the picturesque Cheshire countrysideScantoxislocatedat Alderley Park approximately 14 miles from Manchester Airport and 18 miles from Manchester city centre. We are committed to helping our clients develop safer chemicals and medicines using innovative screening platforms as well as GLP regulatory tests to detect hazard to understand mode-of-action and help manage risk.

Comprising a team of over 65colleagueswith a range of experiences from within the pharmaceutical agrochemical and CRO industries our team has extensiveexpertisein the field of genetic and predictive ambition is to become the leading provider of predictive and preclinical toxicology products and services across a variety of industry sectors.

Formerly Gentronix Ltd we are now part of the wider Scantox group comprising around 400 colleagues across 4 countries working together to offer high quality CRO services.

The benefits

• Company Pension Scheme 8% company contribution
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life assurance x2 salary
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Retail discounts
• Mental Health Wellbeing platforms
• Financial Wellbeing
• Enhanced Maternity Paternity Shared Parental and Adoption
• We have a collaborative and supportive culture with plenty of opportunities for you to grow and succeed. We offer excellent training personal development opportunities and routes for career progression across all our teams.

Your role

As a Principal Scientist you will lead the establishment of a new service laboratory taking full responsibility for the validation oversight and quality of the error-corrected sequencing (ECS) method DuplexSeq for applications within genomic safety. You will be responsible for the complete workflow of generating sequencing data including high molecular weight DNA extraction from tissues preparation of DNA libraries for sequencing including the quality control of prepared libraries and you will liaise closely with 3rd party sequencing service providers to ensure timely execution and reporting of studies. You will need an understanding of sequencing technologies and our bioinformatics platform to allow you to interpret data and discuss study outcomes with clients.

You will provide scientific leadership and ownership of the assay working with clients and key stakeholders ensuring it consistently delivers high-quality reliable and meaningful data.

This role will require you to be hands-on in the lab conducting studies and training and supervising less experienced team members.

Specifically you will:

• Establish the necessary workflows and documentation for the DuplexSeq ECS lab at Scantox.
• Lead the design of studies defining objectives methodologies and data analysis strategies for ECS projects.
• Ensure study plans meet scientific and client requirements.
• Oversee study execution including resource allocation timelines and coordination across teams.
• Manage bioinformatics workflows ensuring data processing analysis and interpretation are accurate and robust.
• Monitor progress address issues and ensure data integrity and quality.
• Review and interpret results providing scientifically sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Mentor and guide the study team.
• Maintain quality and integrity of workflows and outputs.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients on study progress and outcomes.

About you

To join us as a Principal Scientist you will need:

• PhD in a relevant area of research (alternatively a Masters degree if highly applicable to this field).
• Strong practical knowledge of genomic safety and/or bioinformatics or postgraduate research in genetic toxicology genomics or bioinformatics.
• Proven tract record of validating next generation sequencing assays preferably within a regulatory environment.
• Experience with developing bioinformatics pipelines supporting analysis and troubleshooting of workflows. Experience of operating with Nextflow is highly desirable.
• Hands on experience working with Illumina systems and DNA library preparation protocols and kits. Hands-on experience in molecular biology NGS or genomic workflows; experience with duplex sequencing or other error-corrected sequencing methods is highly desirable.
• Experience of automating workflows and liquid handling technology is desirable with a focus on automating of DNA library preparation for high throughput applications.
• Experience in designing bait capture probes for target enrichment is desirable.
• Proven ability to lead projects work independently and collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Advanced IT skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office and bioinformatics or laboratory data management systems.

Other organisations may call this role Lead Scientist.

Scantox are an equal opportunities employer and we value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applications for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are the better our work will be.