Senior Scientist in Immunoassays

For over 20 years, Unisensor has been a pioneer in diagnostic engineering for food safety, supporting our vision of peace of mind in food.

We are recruiting a talented Scientist with expertise in developing lateral flow-based rapid diagnostic tests to join our Immunoassay R&D team on a permanent basis at our site based in the Liege Science Park. The targets to be detected, as well as the matrices to work with, can vary.

Role and responsibilities

As an Assay Development Scientist, you will be responsible for selecting the best biochemical reagents candidates, primarily to contribute to the creation of new diagnostic screening platforms or the expansion of existing ones.

Lateral flow conjugate pad-based assays to be developed may be either qualitative or quantitative and could be either competitive or sandwich assays, depending on the target.

In this function, you will perform the following tasks:

• Ensure the screening of antibodies and other assay conjugates for an optimal selection of reagents
• Develop and optimize lateral flow immunoassays, primarily on conjugate pad format
• Adjust/optimize test configuration, lateral-flow strip components and biochemical conditions for new lateral-flow-based products or improve existing products
• Plan, design and execute experiments; analyze results; solve problems; communicate findings to other project members; proactively share ideas and new proposals for the next steps
• Ensure the quality of newly developed tests by performing stability studies, internal validation, and challenge studies during the development phases of the new product
• Collaborate closely with the Industrialization and the Production teams to produce initial batches and contribute to the transfer to production and scaling-up for optimal industrialization
• Manage relationships with suppliers and project partners
• Be responsible for the documentation related to all the aforementioned activities, i.e. writing protocols, reports, and other documents required for the Quality System (ISO 9001)
• Follow internal development processes and ensure adherence to established timelines and deliverables
• Project management: with the assistance of the R&D Leader and other Project members contribute to planning and following up on the different development phases and deliverables on time, reporting of project advancement

This position requires about 75% bench work in an ISO 9001 but non-GMP environment.

Profile

EXPERTISE

Master or PhD degree in biochemistry, chemistry, bioengineering, biology, biomedical sciences or a related field.

You must have at least 5 years of experience in lateral flow immunoassay development in an industrial environment, and strong understanding of biological assays (i.e. protein stability, reactivity, and characterization). Candidates who do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

You have extensive experience in conjugate pad-based assays , as well as experience with the development of fast quantitative tests.

Having experience in the food safety sector (allergens, mycotoxins, antibiotics) is an asset but not mandatory. Any experience in medical diagnostics is also welcome.

You have a strong interest in conducting practical scientific work, exploring a variety of in-depth biochemical knowledge that leads to excellent results.

You thrive in an environment surrounded by experts willing to share their knowledge on a daily basis, to learn and deliver more in a shorter time.

You have a very good command of English (both oral and written). Having experience in French and being willing to learn is an asset.

We are looking for someone autonomous with strong planning abilities.

SOFT SKILLS

Specifically, for this function, you show:

An experimenter’s mindset, a critical mind, and proven problem-solving skills

Creativity with a high level of openness (thinking out of the box)

Adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to work with minimal direct supervision, in a fast paced and agile environment

Accountability and respect for deadlines

The ability and willingness to travel on request (a few times a year)

Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams

Be able to synthesize information and present results clearly to management

Being comfortable giving and receiving feedback

Strong team spirit and value collective success.

SHARED VALUES

Unisensor success builds on our key values and we would like candidates to share them: respect, team spirit, thoroughness, solution orientation, integrity, commitment.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive compensation package and an exciting and challenging work environment

You will evolve in an environment where well-being is key.

Considering the fast growth of the company, Unisensor also offers attractive career evolution perspectives, both in terms of role within the company and job content.

Are you interested in this job and think you have the corresponding profile? Do not hesitate to send your CV or video.