Senior Lab Scientist (Ligand-binding Assays)

Job Purpose

We’re looking for an experienced LBA technician to provide short-term technical oversight, independent observation, and rapid improvement of an immunoassay laboratory at a bioanalytical CRO. This is a hands-on, senior technical role: you will assess current operations and assays, troubleshoot and stabilise critical workflows, mentor bench staff, and deliver concrete, documented process and quality improvements that support timely study delivery in a regulated environment.

This is a temporary, purpose-driven assignment: you will be expected to diagnose key pain points quickly and leave the lab in a measurably stronger position (better protocols, fewer deviations, clearer training, and improved assay performance).

Main Areas of Responsibility

• Provide technical leadership, mentorship and direct hands-on support for immunoassay workflows (development, validation, sample analysis, troubleshooting).
• Conduct a rapid technical audit of the immunoassay lab: workflows, SOPs, assay performance, QC/acceptance criteria, equipment, reagent inventory, and staff competencies. Produce a prioritized corrective/improvement plan and present findings to management.
• Troubleshoot failing assays and analytical variabilities (e.g., high background, matrix effects, poor precision/accuracy) and implement root-cause fixes.
• Lead assay transfers and re-establish performance for critical assays where needed.
• Implement or refine process controls, in-process checks, calibration and maintenance routines for key instruments (absorbance readers, MSD, plate washers etc.)
• Improve data integrity practices and documentation (raw data handling, audit trails, bench notes etc.).
• Coach and train bench staff on best practices, assay troubleshooting, and assay documentation expectations.
• Support study timelines by providing senior bench resource when critical assays are high priority.
• Escalate and communicate risks, status, and mitigation plans to lab management as required.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, or related life-science field (BSc minimum; MSc preferred).
• 8+ years direct hands-on experience developing, validating and running ligand-binding immunoassays (ELISA, MSD or similar) in a regulated bioanalytical environment (CRO/pharma).
• Demonstrated experience in assay troubleshooting, method transfer, and rapid problem resolution.
• Practical knowledge of regulatory and quality requirements (GLP, GCP, ISO 17025 or equivalent).
• Strong data integrity and documentation practice (electronic and paper records).
• Proven ability to write clear technical reports, SOPs and validation/verification summaries.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; experience training and mentoring junior staff.
• Ability to work onsite full-time during the contract period and to start quickly.

Competencies & soft skills

• Rapid diagnostic thinking: Able to triage assays/issues quickly and propose pragmatic fixes.
• Clear communicator: Able to present technical findings to management and clients.
• Collaborative and coaching orientation: Can teach others without creating dependency.
• Meticulous attention to detail in documentation and data handling.
• Calm under pressure and focused on delivering measurable outcomes in a compressed timeframe.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR CV/RESUME IS SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH.