R&D Scientist - Reagent & Assay Development

Virax Biolabs UK Ltd is an innovative biotechnology company focused on immune-response detection technologies. The company is developing its flagship Virax Immune™ profiling platform, aimed at supporting the development of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays for chronic and post-infectious conditions, including Long Covid, Lyme disease and ME/CFS. In parallel, Virax Biolabs is expanding Immune Select, a portfolio of products and services supporting immunology and clinical research.

We are recruiting a Scientist to join our team at Bio City Glasgow. In this role, you will focus on the development, characterisation and optimisation of assay reagents and components supporting both our platform development and research product activities, including antibody conjugation, plate coating, and reagent performance enhancement. The position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to technologies being developed for future diagnostic application, while supporting the expansion of our product and reagent portfolio.

• Perform antibody conjugation and labelling workflows (biotinylation, fluorophore/enzyme conjugation, particle-based labelling), including purification and post-conjugation QC (e.g. degree of labelling, yield, aggregation).
• Develop and characterise assay reagents and supporting materials (antibodies, conjugated reagents, buffers and blockers), including reagent preparation, stability assessment, and definition of performance specifications.
• Optimise plate coating and surface immobilisation conditions, including capture/detection configurations and blocking strategies, to improve assay robustness and reproducibility, supporting downstream validation activities.
• Plan and execute experimental workflows, troubleshoot technical issues, and iterate protocols to improve assay performance and consistency.
• Analyse and interpret experimental data, draw conclusions and communicate findings through presentations and reports.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, oversee reagent stock levels, and ensure compliance with laboratory safety and quality requirements.

• Degree in Immunology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Protein Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on industry experience developing and characterising assay reagents
• Proven experience in antibody conjugation and labelling workflows.
• Familiarity with improving assay robustness, including reproducibility, stability, and batch-to-batch consistency.
• Well‑organised, detail‑oriented, and confident working in a structured laboratory environment with good documentation practices.
• Excellent organizational and teamwork abilities.

We offer a competitive compensation package, designed to reward performance while supporting long‑term growth and flexibility.

• Competitive base salary, aligned with experience
• Performance‑based bonus structure
• 28 days’ annual leave plus UK bank holidays
• Pension scheme with 6% employer and 2% employee contributions