For over 20 years, Unisensor has been a pioneer in diagnostic engineering for food safety, supporting our vision of peace of mind in food.
We are recruiting a talented Development Scientist to join our R&D team for a one-year contract for our site based in the Liège Science Park.
In this role, you will provide scientific and technical support to a variety of internal R&D initiatives and external CDMO projects, contributing to the development, optimization and transfer of diagnostic solutions across different assay formats, targets and matrices.
1.Role and responsibilities
As a Development Scientist, you will contribute to the development and optimization of diagnostic assays and analytical solutions, supporting both internal innovation projects and external customer-driven CDMO programs.
You will be involved in selecting and evaluating biochemical reagents, defining assay strategies, designing experiments, and ensuring the robustness and quality of developed solutions across diverse applications.
Key responsibilities
* Select, evaluate and characterize biochemical reagents (e.g. antibodies, proteins, conjugates or other assay components) to support the development of diagnostic or analytical solutions
* Develop, optimize and troubleshoot assays across various formats (qualitative and/or quantitative), adapting strategies according to target, matrix and project requirements
* Define and optimize assay configurations, test components and biochemical conditions for new developments or improvements of existing solutions
* Plan, design and execute experimental work; analyze and interpret data; identify root causes and propose corrective actions
* Communicate results clearly to project stakeholders; proactively contribute ideas and scientific proposals to advance projects
* Ensure the quality and robustness of developed assays by performing stability studies, internal validation and challenge studies during development phases
* Collaborate closely with Industrialization and Production teams to support pilot batches, technology transfer and scaling-up activities
* Actively interact with external partners, suppliers and customers in the context of CDMO projects
* Ensure appropriate documentation of development activities (protocols, reports, technical files) in compliance with the Quality System (ISO 9001)
* Follow internal development processes and contribute to meeting project timelines, milestones and deliverables
* Contribute to project management activities in collaboration with the R&D Leader and project team, including planning, progress tracking and reporting
This position involves approximately 75% hands-on laboratory work in an ISO 9001 (non-GMP) environment.
2.Profile
EXPERTISE
* Master’s or PhD degree in biochemistry, chemistry, bioengineering, biology, biomedical sciences or a related field
* 1 year of experience in assay development within an industrial R&D environment is an strong asset
* Strong understanding of biochemical and biological assays (e.g. reagent performance, stability, reactivity, assay robustness)
* Proven experience in developing and optimizing diagnostic or analytical assays, ideally across different formats or technologies
* Experience in food safety diagnostics, medical diagnostics or regulated environments is an asset but not mandatory
* Strong interest in hands-on experimental work combined with scientific rigor and problem-solving
* Ability to work on diverse projects with varying scientific challenges and timelines
* Very good command of English (oral and written); knowledge of French or willingness to learn is an asset
* Autonomous, well-organized and able to manage multiple activities in parallel
SOFT SKILLS
Specifically, for this function, you show:
* An experimenter’s mindset, a critical mind, and proven problem-solving skills
* Creativity with a high level of openness (thinking out of the box)
* Adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to work with minimal direct supervision, in a fast paced and agile environment
* Accountability and respect for deadlines
* The ability and willingness to travel on request (a few times a year)
* Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across teams
* Be able to synthesize information and present results clearly to management
* Being comfortable giving and receiving feedback
* Strong team spirit and value collective success.
SHARED VALUES
Unisensor success builds on our key values and we would like candidates to share them: respect, team spirit, thoroughness, solution orientation, integrity, commitment.
3.What We Offer
We offer a first one-year contract with competitive compensation package and an exciting and challenging work environment. You will evolve in an environment where well-being is key.
Considering the fast growth of the company, Unisensor also offers attractive career evolution perspectives, both in terms of role within the company and job content.