Senior R&D Scientist (Employee #1) - #2078141

About Prenata: Prenata is a leading genetic testing product company with years of experience in prenatal and cfDNA testing applications, offering a complete non-invasive prenatal testing workflow. Our mission is to provide expectant parents and their clinics with products capable of offering accurate and reliable genetic information to support informed decision-making during pregnancy and improve both maternal and fetal health.

The Role: This is a key hire as our first employee. We are looking for a high-calibre R&D Scientist with a "go-getter" attitude. You aren't just looking for a job; you are looking to help build a company. You will take ownership of the lab, from molecular biology optimizations to NGS library preparation. You will work independently in the lab while maintaining tight feedback loops with our bioinformatics and commercial leads. You will act as an individual contributor to start with, enhance existing methods, and develop new methods that will enable Prenata to develop improved and innovative Prenatal and Reproductive Health genetic testing products. (Note: While currently based in Birmingham, the successful candidate should be willing to relocate or commute within 1-1.5 hours of the West Midlands region in the future, as laboratory operations may move further south.)

Key Responsibilities:

• Method Development: Adapt and test parameters to optimize complex molecular biology workflows and develop new genetic testing methodologies.
• Project & Timeline Management: Accurately forecast timelines for research projects and establish clear go/no-go milestones. Hold direct accountability for ensuring the timely delivery of data at each milestone and for overall project completion.
• Financial Oversight & Procurement: Manage laboratory procurement with a commercial mindset, ensuring a cautious and sensible use of company funds. Secure optimal terms through supplier negotiations, while accurately forecasting and strictly adhering to project budgets.
• NGS & PCR: Execute and refine Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparations and PCR-based assays.
• Quality & Documentation: Generate meticulous documentation to meet eQMS requirements, supporting ISO 13485 and IVDR compliance.
• Data Collaboration: Interface with the Bioinformatics lead to interpret data outputs and determine next steps.

Requirements:

• Postgraduate degree (MSc/PhD) in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with PCR and NGS library preparation is essential.
• Demonstrated ability in project planning, milestone forecasting, and managing R&D delivery timelines.
• Strong financial awareness with experience in laboratory procurement, supplier relations, and budget management.
• Prior experience working within a Quality Management System (QMS) environment (eQMS) or a regulated laboratory ISO15189/ISO13485 is highly desirable.
• Interest in managing a team is required. Experience managing a team is considered a significant bonus.
• Bonus: Experience with automation and liquid handler systems (experience with Hamilton systems is highly desirable).
• Proven ability to create detailed technical documentation and SOPs.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Compensation, Package & Benefits:

• Base Salary: £36,000 - £46,000 (dependent on experience).
• EMI Share Scheme Options: As employee number one, you will be granted equity options under our Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) scheme, ensuring you are a true shareholder and partner in the company's growth.
• Company Pension Scheme: Standard workplace pension contributions to support your long-term financial health.
• Professional Growth: A front-row seat in a scaling biotech startup with clear pathways toward building and leading your own laboratory team as we expand.