Staff Scientist

The Opportunity

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most – home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

Staff Scientist

As QuidelOrtho continues to grow, we are seeking to appoint a Staff Scientist to join our Product Support team located at our Pencoed facility. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your knowledge of Pencoed manufacturing methods and release processes. The successful candidate will be reporting into the Technical Lead and receive training in our investigation processes and gain an understanding of the nature of the work that the Technical Support Team are tasked with. We would also welcome new ideas, based on previous experience, to enable the team to be more effective and efficient. This role will work on a day’s basis Monday to Friday, with one in every four-weekend day’s work also required.

About QuidelOrtho, Pencoed:

QuidelOrtho has been manufacturing products in South Wales for over 40 years. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, based in Pencoed, employs over 600 people who are involved in the manufacture and supply of clinical laboratory and immunohematology products to a global customer base.

Our Pencoed team manufacture a large menu of immunoassay products encompassing a range of disease categories. In addition to the continued support our growing scientific community provide to our existing products, we are also harnessing our Research & Development capabilities for the creation of novel new content to expand our immunoassay menu.

We are proud to be a global hub for critical manufacturing lines, and we have recently expanded our capabilities with three new state-of-the-art manufacturing lines to produce a comprehensive suite of immunohematology products for blood typing and cross-matching of blood donor units. On site we have a range of functions operating globally & locally. All our employees are working towards one common goal, to help save and improve lives through diagnostics.

Your new role:

Reporting to the Technical Lead, the Staff Scientist is accountable for the delivery of tactical / strategic projects, root cause investigations and CAPAs associated with the Immunodiagnostics products line. Critical aspects of the role will be to drive innovation, productivity gains, enhancement of existing product performance and to provide insights into critical to quality assay performance characteristics, resolution of product / process problems and optimisation of production events.

What you’ll be doing:

• Immunoassay subject matter expert and individual contributor for assigned special tactical / strategic projects / investigations, root cause or CAPA activities. Definition, development and implementation of solutions to complex problems requiring the regular use of ingenuity and creativity to support projects and continuous improvement activities.
• Development and implementation of appropriate project communications and support plans maintaining the flow of communication within the group, operations and across functional partners. Provide leadership to gain effective co-operation within and between teams across the factory and from external stakeholders including Business Fields, R&D and marketing.
• Lead cross-functional interactions within and between Pencoed and R&D scientists in the execution of Vitros projects and product troubleshooting.
• Identify, facilitate and drive improvements and through the application of product and process innovation, take accountability for the delivery of projects resulting in productivity for the Scientific community.
• Support the development of the team to ensure that individual competencies, skills and knowledge are commensurate with business needs through routine coaching.
• Act as the scientific interface between UK Operations, R&D and the Business Fields to develop and implement strategic projects to drive enhanced business opportunities whilst maintaining continuity of supply through effective factory troubleshooting.
• Support the investigation and timely resolution of issues arising during manufacturing and from customer complaints/Field Triage.
• This role will work in a lab environment 5-10% of the time only.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• In depth understanding of immunoassay from industry experience (5+ years desirable).
• Degree educated in relevant scientific discipline, or relevant experience, ideally qualified to PhD or similar level.
• Able to develop strategic programs to enhance business opportunities.
• Knowledge of Operations/Manufacturing and participation in external audits.
• Proven track record of leading/contributing to cross-functional teams within a regulated operational or technical environment.
• Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), along with excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Assumes accountability, drives accountability in others and promotes a positive, results focused attitude.
• Ability to utilise good judgment working independently and within a team setting.
• Very good understanding of laboratory skills, techniques, and data analysis.
• Certification in Process Excellence desirable e.g. 6 Sigma Belt.

What We Offer

• Competitive Base Salary
• Yearly Salary Reviews.
• Pension Scheme
• Bonus Scheme
• LinkedIn Learning
• Life Assurance
• Healthcare Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• 25 days Holidays + 8 Bank Holidays (Milestone Increases Available)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• On-Site Gym Facilities
• Subsidised Canteen

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