Biomarker Scientist

Job Description
The Biomarker Assay Sciences group is positioned within Early Clinical Development and Translational Science (ECD&TS), which as a department provides strategy and support in integrated pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and DMPK, biomarker analysis, immunogenicity, safety, clinical development, and regulatory activities throughout the lifespan of projects, from target identification through to clinical studies of diverse pharmacological candidates, including novel chemical, biological and gene therapy-derived assets. The Biomarker Assay Sciences group operates and collaborates closely with colleagues across the organization to support bioanalysis and biomarker activities in the progression from research into the clinic.
The Biomarker Assay Sciences group is looking for a high caliber scientist to join the team to support clinical transcriptomics as a Subject Matter Expert. The successful applicant will be responsible for planning and technical oversight of Biomarker Transcriptomics activities outsourced to CROs. They will also have the opportunity to expand their skills and work flexibly on lab-based projects in the Biomarker Assay Sciences team alongside biomarker specialists in the Immunohistochemistry, Flow Cytometry, Ligand Binding and LC-MS fields. The required candidate should have a strong scientific background, good written and verbal communication skills and be highly self-motivated with a proven ability to multi-task effectively and adapt to meet the demands of a fast-paced matrix-team environment.
The role is based in the UK in Slough.
You will have the opportunity to work in a cross-functional setting across multidisciplinary projects and teams and make meaningful contributions to the biomarker and bioanalytical strategies across UCB’s portfolio, through the lens of cutting-edge science, technology and enriching interactions with scientists with wide-ranging expertise.
Requirements Role and Responsibilities:
• As a Subject Matter Expert, support clinical transcriptomics outsourced activities from a planning and technical perspectives and ensure timely delivery of high-quality fit-for-purpose assays and robust data.
• Conduct and support sample analysis, quality control, data interpretation and reporting.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of new and emerging techniques and approaches relevant to the transcriptomics and biomarker fields.
• Where appropriate, support the development of biomarker assays in the laboratories.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.
Skills and experience required
• Candidates should have a BSc or higher academic qualification in a biological discipline with good theoretical understanding of the principals of molecular biology and transcriptomics (in particular RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR), and the application to biomarker analysis in clinical studies.
• Practical experience of the complete workflow for RNA sequencing experiments, from sample extraction, library preparation and quality control, sequencing runs, including troubleshooting.
• Practical experience in Molecular Biology methods, including RNA extraction from a variety of biofluids and tissue matrices, primer and probe design, quantitative PCR (real-time and/or ddPCR) and data analysis.
• Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail essential, alongside enthusiasm to strengthen existing workflows and reporting,
• Clear grasp of context of use (linking biomarker assay requirements to the usage of the data generated)
• Demonstrated ability to work flexibly in a dynamic environment to meet project needs and timelines with minimal supervision
• Ability to work in a matrix team and communicate in a clear and timely manner with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Adaptable to changing project and organizational priorities, aligned with departmental needs
Preferred
• Experience of working in a pharmaceutical drug discovery and development environment.
• Experience of Protein analysis using O-LINK
• Experience working with Contract Research Organisations (CROs) to oversee method development, validation and/or sample analysis to agreed deadlines.
• Experience in tissue and biofluid collection, handling and storage in clinical settings.
• Experience of working with human tissue under the directives of the Human Tissue Act (HTA), and experience of working with samples and studies under GCP compliance
• Practical experience in any of the following techniques would be an advantage: histology and immunohistochemistry, Immunoassay and ligand binding assays, Flow cytometry assays, LC-MS.
Requirements
Role and Responsibilities: • As a Subject Matter Expert, support clinical transcriptomics outsourced activities from a planning and technical perspectives and ensure timely delivery of high-quality fit-for-purpose assays and robust data. • Conduct and support sample analysis, quality control, data interpretation and reporting. • Maintain up to date knowledge of new and emerging techniques and approaches relevant to the transcriptomics and biomarker fields. • Where appropriate, support the development of biomarker assays in the laboratories. • Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations. Skills and experience required • Candidates should have a BSc or higher academic qualification in a biological discipline with good theoretical understanding of the principals of molecular biology and transcriptomics (in particular RNA sequencing and RT-qPCR), and the application to biomarker analysis in clinical studies. • Practical experience of the complete workflow for RNA sequencing experiments, from sample extraction, library preparation and quality control, sequencing runs, including troubleshooting. • Practical experience in Molecular Biology methods, including RNA extraction from a variety of biofluids and tissue matrices, primer and probe design, quantitative PCR (real-time and/or ddPCR) and data analysis. • Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail essential, alongside enthusiasm to strengthen existing workflows and reporting, • Clear grasp of context of use (linking biomarker assay requirements to the usage of the data generated) • Demonstrated ability to work flexibly in a dynamic environment to meet project needs and timelines with minimal supervision • Ability to work in a matrix team and communicate in a clear and timely manner with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. • Adaptable to changing project and organizational priorities, aligned with departmental needs Preferred • Experience of working in a pharmaceutical drug discovery and development environment. • Experience of Protein analysis using O-LINK • Experience working with Contract Research Organisations (CROs) to oversee method development, validation and/or sample analysis to agreed deadlines. • Experience in tissue and biofluid collection, handling and storage in clinical settings. • Experience of working with human tissue under the directives of the Human Tissue Act (HTA), and experience of working with samples and studies under GCP compliance • Practical experience in any of the following techniques would be an advantage: histology and immunohistochemistry, Immunoassay and ligand binding assays, Flow cytometry assays, LC-MS.

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