Principal Scientist - Sensors & Assay Development

iGii have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Development Scientist to join their rapidly expanding R&D department. You will join our Sensors team, developing High Sensitivity Low-Cost biosensors on our propriety Gii™ technology.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Principal Development Scientist with experience in managing or supervising other Development Scientists to apply their expertise at iGii.

The successful candidate will work in a high-growth environment with a fast-paced and collaborative culture where you will work with some fantastic customers conducting research at the forefront of science and technology. 

Your purpose in the Role:

You will be responsible for leading a small team in the development of diagnostic assays on our propriety Gii™ technology. Your main accountabilities will be:

• Leadership, Management and Accountability
• Sensors Expertise
• Experimental planning and execution
• Delivering Sensor development projects
• Cross functional collaboration

What you will do and how you will succeed:

• Lead the development of diagnostic assays on the proprietary Gii‑Sens™ platform, driving scientific strategy and project direction.
• Provide expert technical oversight for sensor development, ensuring robust experimental design and high‑quality technical decision‑
• Manage, mentor and develop a team of scientists, ensuring delivery of key performance parameters and alignment with organisational goals.
• Design and develop electrochemical methods and wet‑to‑dry assay chemistries, ensuring equivalent analytical performance and reliability.
• Oversee the development of Gii‑based sensors for IVD applications, ensuring optimum performance and client satisfaction.
• Own the planning, execution and meticulous documentation of experimental work, maintaining high scientific and GLP standards.
• Prepare, review and author technical protocols, reports and project documentation, ensuring scientific clarity and regulatory readiness.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally, leading team meetings, project reviews, and technical discussions with partners, suppliers and customers.
• Drive root‑cause analysis and problem‑solving activities across multidisciplinary teams to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Stay current with emerging trends in sensor technologies and IVD assay development, applying insights to strengthen product innovation.

Who we are looking for

You will hold a PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, nanotechnology or related field) and/or a master’s degree with extensive industry experience at a senior technical level.

You will bring substantial recent industrial experience, gained within early‑stage or mature organisations where products or services are developed, scaled, and brought to market in a commercial setting, demonstrating technical leadership in the following areas:

• Deep expertise in electrochemical biosensors, with a proven track record applying them in biomedical diagnostics
• Extensive experience leading or directing R&D projects, including:
• biofunctionalisation or assay development
• application and interpretation of electrochemical techniques and sensor characterisation
• driving innovation, resolving complex technical challenges, and shaping experimental strategy
• A history of translating scientific research into commercially viable products, achieving project milestones linked to technical, commercial, and regulatory requirements
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring, guiding, or managing scientists, driving team capability and technical excellence.

Technical and scientific skills required for R&D in a commercial context:

• Advanced ability to design, execute and interpret complex experimental programmes, underpinned by strong scientific rigour and systems‑level thinking
• Strong working knowledge of GLP and high‑standards laboratory practice, with experience operating within regulated or quality‑driven environments
• Proven effectiveness managing multidisciplinary teams, coordinating internal strategy discussions, technical reviews, and external collaborations
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with scientific and technological developments, applying this knowledge to strengthen innovation
• Experience supporting scale‑up activities from laboratory methods to pilot‑scale processes, contributing to commercialisation efforts
• Awareness of intellectual property generation and protection, with experience identifying technically and commercially novel opportunities.

What we offer

This role is offered as a full-time position, working hours are 37.5 hours per week. Please talk to us about alternative working arrangements.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. Visa sponsorship is available, and we can provide a relocation package where needed.

In addition to a competitive salary and 33 days of annual leave (including statutory holidays) we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and professional growth. This includes:

• Private medical insurance
• Group life insurance
• Income protection
• Access to mental wellbeing resources and support, including up to six coaching or counselling sessions per year through our wellbeing partner, Oliva
• Training and development opportunities to help grow your career
• Freedom to arrange your schedule around our core working hours, designed to help you perform at your best.

We take great pride in being a social and collaborative organisation. We meet regularly as a Company and as teams, sharing ideas over breakfast or lunch, celebrating achievements, and recognising milestones at a team and individual level.

We are scaling up rapidly and value our culture, you will shape the company’s future innovation capabilities through your ideas and skillset. Join us now and make your mark on both your career and our growth journey.