The company is currently at a pivotal stage, scaling up its activities to complete the development and beta-testing of its first microbial test prototype, supported by a recently won £0.5m Innovate UK Smart grant. The test employs a novel aptamer-based fluorescence assay. The market launch of the test is planned for 2026. It is a great time to join the growing Cromerix team and play a decisive role in this exciting phase. As part of our team ramp-up, we are hiring a “Development Lead (Full-time) in Aptamer-based Rapid Microbial Tests”, to start as soon as possible. The candidate will lead the development and innovations in biosensing and biotechnology/bioengineering, and work with the Director to raise funding to support strategic future development. The role will provide the opportunity to make a significant impact on the company’s product development pathway and strategy. The candidate’s rise within the company will be commensurate with their contribution to the growth of the company with options for discretionary performance-linked bonus and eligibility for company share options. We are looking for a dynamic and enterprising candidate with a background in biotechnology/bioengineering or a related field with demonstrated research and development (R&D) experience in biosensors and knowledge of existing detection and biotechnology methods and tools. The successful candidate is likely to have a strong track record in R&D project management and delivery in a senior/lead role, writing successful R&D funding proposals and expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics. JOB DESCRIPTION Job Purpose To lead the development and innovations in biosensing and biotechnology/bioengineering and raise funding to support strategic future development. Duties and Responsibilities § To lead the development and beta testing of Cromerix’s first microbial test towards a successful market launch in 2026. § To support the Project Lead in delivering the current Innovate UK project by 31 st March 2026. This will include managing the development team and working with the development partners, advisors, customers, and other stakeholders. § To work with the Director to develop the product development strategy and raise funding to support strategic future development. This will include writing proposals for grant, industry/customer and investor funding. § To lead innovations in biosensing and biotechnology/bioengineering for continuous improvement in the current product and introducing strategic new products. § To support the Director as required on relevant administrative work. § To engage in training and personal development programmes as recommended by the Director and consistent with the requirements of the role and your needs and aspirations. § To undertake other duties and responsibilities as may be commensurate with the role, including training and grooming other team members. Reporting You will report directly to the Director, Dr Sourav Ghosh. PERSON SPECIFICATIONS Job Title: Development Lead Essential Criteria § Education and Qualifications: A 1 st class or 2:1 undergraduate degree and postgraduate degree or equivalent R&D experience in biotechnology, bioengineering (biological/biomedical/healthcare engineering) or a related field. § Experience: Demonstrated research and development (R&D) experience in biosensors in academia/industry. Knowledge of existing detection and biotechnology methods and tools. R&D project management and delivery. Writing scientific/technical project reports and presenting project outcomes. Writing R&D funding proposals. § Skills and Abilities: Good laboratory and analytical skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills within the team and with external stakeholders, report writing and presentation skills, organisational and team/interpersonal skills. Milestone-driven with attention to detail, focus on goals and commitment to work under challenging deadlines, going the extra mile when needed. Dynamic, enterprising, proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently as part of a team to achieve the company’s goals. § Training: Willingness to undertake further training as appropriate and adopt new procedures as and when required. § Other: Willingness to travel nationally/internationally as needed for professional development or company’s business. Willingness to work in a Containment Level 2 laboratory. Commitment to integrity, team ethics, and observing the company’s policies and confidentiality at all times. We value the trust in each other and our work. This is reciprocated by transparency and support for growth. We collectively strive to provide and preserve work-life balance. Desirable Criteria § Education and Qualifications: PhD in biotechnology, bioengineering (biological/biomedical/healthcare engineering) or a related field. § Experience: Extensive R&D experience in biosensors in academia/industry in a senior/lead role. Experience in developing aptamers and aptamer-based tests, primarily rapid point-of-care, employing fluorescence and/or colorimetric methods. Expertise in biotechnology methods/tools, molecular biology and genetics with interest in microbes, microbiome and engineering/synthetic biology. A strong track record in R&D project management and delivery in a senior/lead role, managing team members and external stakeholders, such as development partners, advisors and customers. Leading project reporting and presentation, publishing in scientific journals and presenting at conferences. A demonstrated track record of writing successful R&D funding proposals. § Skills and Abilities: Developing novel methods in biosensing and biotechnology. Ability to identify new technology opportunities and contribute to the company’s product development strategy. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE § This is a full time, fixed-term position, starting as soon as possible and ending 31 st March 2026, extendable subject to the candidate’s performance and company requirement. § To be eligible for this post, you must have the right to work in the UK or be eligible for a visa or other permit which allows you to do so. If an offer of employment is made to you, you will be asked to provide evidence for this. § Competitive basic salary of £55,861 per annum (£4,655 per month), subject to experience level. In addition, there will be an attractive discretionary performance-linked bonus (10% of basic salary or more) paid monthly. The candidate will be eligible for company share options as per company’s policies. § The work locations will include Holywell Building, Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) and Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF), Nottingham Trent University Clifton Campus. § There will be some flexibility in time of working and hybrid (remote and onsite) working provided the company’s requirements and the role’s duties and responsibilities are fulfilled. HOW TO APPLY § Applications are being accepted now and interested candidates are encouraged to apply soon. The position will be withdrawn as soon as a suitable candidate is found. § Please apply by emailing your application to officecromerix.com. In your application, please state clearly within four A4 pages (pdf) your ability to deliver the “Duties and Responsibilities” specified under JOB DESCRIPTION and how you address the “Essential and Desirable Criteria” outlined under PERSON SPECIFICATION, substantiated with evidence. Also, provide a detailed CV (pdf). Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. § Informal enquiries are welcome and can be directed to the Director by email at officecromerix.com. WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Cromerix is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a friendly, inclusive environment that is enjoyable to work in. We recognise the rights of all individuals to mutual respect and strive to foster an environment, where there is an unbiased acceptance of others. Our policies and practices aim to promote an environment that is free from all forms of bias, and unlawful and unfair discrimination and treats people fairly with dignity.