Senior R&D Scientist - Molecular

Mast Group Ltd. are a world class manufacturer and supplier of diagnostic products for clinical, industrial and veterinary testing. As an independent company, since 1959, our commitment to maintaining integrity and customer satisfaction, combined with innovation in in-vitro diagnostics, has resulted in improved clinical decisions and pathways.

We are looking to recruit a highly skilled and conscientious Senior R&D Scientist to join the team based at our Deeside site. The job holder will be an integral part of the team, ensuring development, evaluation and registration of products for diagnostic microbiology, in line with regulatory requirements. The successful candidate should be willing to actively engage and contribute their technical knowledge, to aid the progression of portfolio development, bringing relevant products to successful manufacture and commercialisation.

THE ROLE

• Conduct research and development of products in-line with the company product development portfolio following defined project timelines and development processes. The Senior Scientist shall direct the research projects and define the activities of assigned molecular personnel throughout projects.
• Ensure assigned personnel are trained to the standard required for conducting the work required for specified research projects and provide laboratory-based training, technical support as required.
• Conduct regular project team meetings to report project progress and address any resource, equipment/facilities and scientific risks. Develop mitigation plans and conduct necessary work to demonstrate effectiveness of mitigation.
• Provide project updates to department on a regular basis and present findings to senior managers/leadership as requested.
• Identify and exploit novel cost-effective technologies appropriate to Mast’s activity and interest in the field of molecular diagnostics and in particular, those appropriate to the range of molecular products manufactured and/or distributed by Mast Group Ltd.
• Seek to identify novel aspects in all products, technologies and applications under consideration to develop the company’s Intellectual Property Portfolio.
• Work closely with the Sales and Marketing teams (UK and International), the Departmental Manager, and other relevant personnel to establish a prioritised pipeline of development projects.
• Prepare and present written reports and documents as directed, including the preparation and updating of Standard Operating Procedures, technical dossiers demonstrating product compliance with regulatory standards or directives, and reports and documents for company policy and other meetings. Such reports should usually be presented in an appropriate electronic format (e.g. Microsoft Word).
• Provide technical training including oral presentations on courses held at Mast House, for sales and marketing, and use technical expertise to help train and mentor other laboratory staff.
• Provide support to senior staff in providing a high standard of technical service including, where appropriate, the investigation of customer complaints, production problems, and performance of validation studies.
• Be responsible for the collation of reference information relevant to all investigations and for the correct maintenance and updating of technical records in appropriate project files for allocated projects.
• Participate in laboratory project meetings to discuss technical matters affecting current projects and present results.
• Assist senior staff in technical training for sales and marketing and laboratory personnel at training courses held in Mast House.
• Ensure laboratory working areas are kept clean and tidy and that waste material is correctly disposed of.
• In addition to the specified duties the Senior R&D Scientist is expected to perform additional tasks as necessitated by the needs of the business as requested.

THE PERSON

• PhD in a biological related research field and / or
• Experience in similar role/ level of seniority
• Minimum of 2year Post Doctorate research experience in the molecular field.
• Excellent leadership skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Drive and ambition for diagnostic product development.
• High degree of professionalism
• Ability to anticipate and solve a range of work-related problems using initiative within the remit of the role.
• Experience of leading a team of Technicians and Scientists