Senior Scientist - Bacterial Gene Mutation (Ames) Team
Have you heard of the Ames test? It is the most used assay to detect gene mutations and has been used for decades to ensure that chemicals that come into contact with humans and the environment are safe. The test investigates the ability of test substances to cause specific mutations in Salmonella or E. coli strains that allow them to then grow on selective agar plates. As the test detects DNA reactive mutagens, which have the potential to be highly potent in vivo, Ames positive results are taken very seriously when assessing safety of chemicals.
Here at Gentronix we have been running the Ames test since 2014 and our Ames Study Directors have over 60 years combined experience. Would you like to learn from the best?
We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Senior Scientist to join our Ames team. This role is within an established and supportive team where you will work closely with our highly experienced Study Directors and our capable lab team.
About us
Gentronix is located at Alderley Park in the north-west UK. We are committed to helping our clients develop safer chemicals and medicines, using innovative screening platforms as well as GLP regulatory tests to detect hazard, to understand mode-of-action, and help manage risk.
Comprising a team of over 60 employees with a range of experiences from within the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and CRO industries, our team has extensive expertise in the fields of genetic and skin/ocular toxicology. Our ambition to become the leading provider of predictive and preclinical toxicology products and services across a variety of industry sectors.
The benefits

• Competitive salary, depending on experience.
• Pension scheme offering an 8% employer’s contribution.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holiday
• Flexible working in a company with great team spirit
• Employee assistance programme and services (Bravo Benefits)
• Financial wellbeing hub
• Learning & Development platform

One of the key priorities for Gentronix is to develop and retain staff within the business to build a strong and knowledgeable team. We offer training, personal development opportunities and routes for career progression across all our teams.
Your role
As a Senior Scientist in our bacterial mutation assay team, you will take a leading role in delivering high-quality GLP and non-GLP compliant Ames studies, from medium-throughput screening to complex regulatory experiments in accordance with OECD Test Guideline 471. You will serve as the primary point of contact for Study Directors, providing expertise on non-standard testing, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring accurate scoring of Ames test plates and production of raw data. Additionally, you will oversee the day-to-day lab operations, ensuring efficiency, optimal workflow, and that the lab is fully stocked with the necessary materials and resources.
Specifically, you will:

• Lead the conduct of GLP and Non-GLP genetic toxicology studies such as Ames tests following regulatory guidelines (e.g., OECD TG 471) and serve as the primary point of contact for Study Directors.
• Provide expertise on non-standard testing and troubleshooting issues.
• Oversee day-to-day lab operations ensuring efficiency and optimal workflow.
• Ensuring the Lab is fully stocked with necessary materials and resources.
• Carry out line management responsibilities.
• Ensure the accuracy and quality of data before reporting to clients by employing strict QC checking procedures.
• Ensure compliance with GLP standards and relevant international guidelines (OECD 471, 473).
• Manage multiple studies simultaneously, meeting timelines and deliverables.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams (e.g., analytical chemists) to ensure smooth workflow.
• Understand and manage study protocols, reports, and documentation in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Resolve technical issues during study execution, ensuring minimal disruptions.

You will also:

• Provide leadership to junior scientists, guiding experimental techniques and best practices.
• Mentor and train team members on GLP compliance, assay execution, and data analysis.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation in study methodologies and processes.
• Stay updated on scientific advancements and integrate new technologies into the lab's workflow.
• Present findings at scientific conferences and contribute to publications.
• Provide strategic solutions for complex studies and challenging client requirements.
• Stay informed on changing regulations in genetic toxicology and guide teams in adapting processes.
• Any other reasonable management request.

About you

• To join us as a Senior Scientist, you will need:
• Degree in life sciences or equivalent qualifications, with extensive experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Strong aseptic technique and practical laboratory skills.
• Solid understanding of toxicology principles, with enthusiasm for applying these in both screening and regulatory settings.
• Knowledge and experience of GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) or other relevant laboratory standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proactive approach with effective time management and the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Attention to detail in experimental work and data reporting.
• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point).

Most of all, you will have a passion for the application of life sciences, be a diligent scientist, and have an ambition to learn, develop and join a fun, hardworking and fast paced team.
You may have previously held the title of Laboratory Scientist, Scientist, Microbiologist, Study Scientist or Cell Culture Scientist.
Gentronix are an equal opportunities employer, and we value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applications for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business, and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:

• Canteen
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Financial planning services
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Macclesfield: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Education:

• Bachelor's (preferred)

Experience:

• Lab work/ Laboratory: 3 years (preferred)
• Line Management: 1 year (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person