Ophthalmology Bioassay Senior Scientist

Nottingham | On-site

We are seeking an Ophthalmology Bioassay Senior Scientist to join a growing, innovative CRO environment focused on developing next-generation human-relevant disease models.

This role sits at the forefront of moving drug discovery away from traditional animal models, with a strong emphasis on advanced in vitro systems, including iPSC-derived models and 3D organoids for ocular diseases.

You will play a key role in building and developing capability in ophthalmology, contributing to both project delivery and the longer-term growth of this area of the business. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining hands-on lab work, scientific innovation, and commercial impact.

Responsibilities:

Ocular Model Development

• Develop and optimise human-relevant ocular disease models
• Design and implement iPSC-derived systems, including retinal and epithelial models
• Contribute to the development of complex 3D organoid and co-culture systems

Assay Development & Delivery

• Design and execute bioassays relevant to ocular disease, including:
• Imaging and fluorescence-based assays
• Immunoassays
• Functional and translational assays
• Analyse and interpret experimental data and present findings clearly to stakeholders

Molecular & Cell Biology

• Apply molecular biology techniques including:
• Gene knockdown approaches (e.g. siRNA, shRNA)
• Work with primary cells, cell lines, and stem-cell derived models
• Support development of increasingly complex and physiologically relevant systems

Project Delivery & Growth

• Support delivery of CRO projects across drug discovery programmes
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and drive continuous improvement
• Contribute to building and scaling ophthalmology capability, including future team growth
• Engage with clients and support scientific discussions where required

About You

You are a scientist with strong hands-on experience in advanced cellular models, particularly within ophthalmology or closely related disease areas.

You'll bring:

• Experience working with iPSC-derived systems and/or 3D organoid models (critical)
• Strong laboratory experience across bioassays, imaging, and molecular biology techniques
• Experience working with ocular models or strong transferable cell biology experience
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with the ability to work independently

Desirable (but not essential):

• PhD in Ophthalmology, Cell Biology, Stem Cell Biology, or a related discipline
• Experience in a CRO or fast-paced applied research environment
• Exposure to replacing or reducing animal models with human-relevant systems
• Interest in helping build or grow a new scientific capability or team

If you're excited by organoids, stem cell models, and reducing reliance on animal testing, this role will give you the platform to make a real impact.

Apply now by attaching your CV in Word, or contact Paige Keenan for further information about this new role:

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.