Head of Research And Development

Cranleigh STEM is seeking a Head of Research and Development in Bracknell, UK, to lead R&D projects focused on ELISA test development. The role requires over 10 years of experience in R&D, project management, and team leadership. The successful candidate will oversee a team of 12, ensuring timely project delivery and quality diagnostics. A background in veterinary diagnostics is a plus. Salary up to £120k with benefits.
We are currently seeking a talented R&D Manager to join a market leader in the field of diagnostics. This role is pivotal in the R&D function requiring extensive experience in running projects and leading R&D teams. This includes having breadth and depth of knowledge and experience in ELISA development and project management that will ultimately guide R&D teams to successful project outcomes.

At the organisation, R&D is responsible for developing new ELISA tests improving current ones supporting operational projects and resolving product issues. A small percentage of the team is also allocated to support products we contract manufacture. The test kits they develop are mostly indirect ELISAs giving a semiquantitative result. The challenge is in designing a diagnostic assay with the required sensitivity specificity and appropriate dynamic range that can be used around the world by the company’s broad customer base.

With an expansive range of biologicals (for example viral and recombinant antigens and antibodies) you must have a broad skillset in the entire ELISA product lifecycle starting with raw material selection and including bioconjugation and plate coating optimization as key deliverables.

With an R&D team of 7 scientists and 5 technicians, it is expected you are a strong leader who can motivate the team and drive the delivery of projects against ambitious timelines.

Job Requirements:

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years’ industrial experience within an R&D function with an ELISA focus.

• Experience in delivering projects.

• Experience in developing ELISA tests for industrial production from start to end. Including antigen design for recombinant proteins

• Experience in managing projects and project budgets.

• Staff leadership and training.

• Proficient in the design and development process.

• Experience in the veterinary diagnostics industry is desirable. Skills / Abilities

Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills

• To be decisive where needed display decision-making skills provide relevant guidance mentoring and Strong leadership to the team

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Excellent time management

• Flexibility/ adaptability with an ‘outside the box’ approach

• Good troubleshooting skills

• To maintain a high level of integrity motivation and reliability in all work

Salary:

• Up to £120k + Company Benefits