Senior Development Scientist - Biological Kits

About Us:

Portal Biotech has built the world’s only platform capable of sequencing full-length proteins at the single-molecule level. Using our nanopore technology, we read intact proteins of any size, capturing both sequence and post-translational modifications in a way no other system can. This opens up entirely new ways to understand protein biology, with applications across drug discovery, diagnostics, and biosecurity.

Our technology works and customers are engaging. We’re now focused on scaling, turning breakthrough science into products that deliver real biological insight as we move beyond Series A towards global product launch

Position Overview:

We are seeking Senior Development Scientists to join our Product Development efforts as part of our DevOps team, based at our headquarters in Scale Space, White City, London. This role spans early feasibility studies through to longer-term biological product development, with responsibility for shaping technical direction and delivery within the team.

You will lead the design and execution of experimental programmes to optimise biological products and workflows, generating clear, well-controlled data to guide strategic decisions. Promising prototypes will be matured into reliable, reproducible solutions integrated into our platform, supporting the progression from concept to commercially viable product.

Alongside hands-on laboratory leadership, you will manage and develop team members, drive delivery against project timelines, and ensure workstreams are prioritised in line with company objectives. You will communicate clearly and effectively with both senior leadership and junior colleagues, ensuring alignment, transparency, and strong technical execution across the team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead experimental design and execution, translating feasibility findings into viable product and customer workflows.

• Define technical plans, milestones, and success criteria, ensuring delivery against agreed timelines.

• Prioritise scientific activities to deliver, balancing scientific ambition with commercial objectives.

• Provide day-to-day technical leadership and line management to members of the team.

• Identify risks, troubleshoot technical challenges, and drive systematic improvements in performance, robustness, and scalability.

• Maintain high standards of documentation and contribute to structured development and quality processes.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure smooth integration into the wider platform.

Requirements:

• A BSc, MSc, PhD, or equivalent industry background in proteomics, molecular biology, bioengineering, biochemistry, or a related discipline.

• Proven track record in developing, optimising, and troubleshooting biological or enzymatic assays or workflows, driving improvements in robustness, scalability, and transferability across teams and into production.

• Experience translating concepts into robust, platform-ready workflows or solutions.

• Ability to guide scientific direction and contribute to technical decision-making within development programmes.

• Capability in planning and delivering projects to defined timelines while balancing priorities.

• Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, or lead scientists in a commercial/industrial setting.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, enabling effective work across cross-functional teams and engagement with stakeholders at multiple levels of the organisation. Commitment to maintaining high standards of documentation aligned with quality management systems.

Desirable:

• Background in protein characterisation techniques, such as HPLC/FPLC, mass spectrometry, or related analytical methods used in assay or product development.

• Experience with electrophysiology methodologies, including end-to-end experimental design, data acquisition, and analysis workflows.

• Exposure to automated laboratory systems or high-throughput experimental workflows that enhance efficiency and reproducibility.

• Proficiency with computational tools (e.g. Python or similar) for data analysis, automation, or workflow optimisation.

• Ability to interpret complex datasets and apply statistical approaches to inform technical decision making.

• Working knowledge of quality management systems (QMS) and structured documentation practices, including familiarity with ISO 9001 or ISO 13485 standards.

Portal is an equal opportunities employer. We are enriched by our diversity and are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment for all. We are a values-led company, and the dedication, passion, and enthusiasm of our talented employees is our cornerstone. We strive to create an environment where our team feels empowered to be their best selves, and where they enjoy working and building both the technologies and our company with us.

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.