R&D Associate Scientist

Bring more to life.

Are you completing a science degree and looking to begin your career in R&D in July 2027? This permanent Associate Scientist opportunity is designed for an enthusiastic and proactive graduate who wants to develop practical scientific experience and build a long-term career within a regulated product-development environment. Previous industry experience is not essential, although a placement year, internship or relevant work experience would be beneficial.

At Leica Biosystems, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.

You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.

At Leica Biosystems, we’re not just shaping the future of cancer diagnostics — we’re transforming lives. Our mission of “Advancing Cancer Diagnostics, Improving Lives” is the driving force behind everything we do. As a global leader with the most comprehensive portfolio spanning from biopsy to diagnosis, we empower clinicians with innovative, reliable solutions so they can give patients timely, accurate answers when they need them most. When you join Leica Biosystems, you’re not just taking a job; you’re becoming part of a passionate team that knows every moment matters when it comes to cancer. You’ll help develop diagnostic solutions that turn anxiety into answers, and aid the acceleration of next-generation, life-changing therapies. Surrounded by a diverse and collaborative global community, you’ll be inspired each day to stretch, grow, and make an impact.

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

As an Associate Scientist at Leica Biosystems, you will begin your industry career in a supportive research and development environment, contributing to projects that advance cancer diagnostics. Working alongside experienced scientists, you will generate and evaluate scientific data, investigate the viability of potential research projects, and contribute to the development, verification, and validation of new products. You will receive appropriate guidance while building the confidence and capability to work with increasing independence. The role offers practical exposure to laboratory research, scientific problem-solving, product development, and working within a regulated environment.

This position reports to an R&D Manager and is part of the Research and Development team located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, working fully on-site. As a team that has recently been awarded Danaher’s Best Plant, you’ll be joining a group recognised for outstanding execution, innovation, and impact.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Generate and evaluate antibodies and/or detection methodologies for in vitro diagnostic assays used in cancer diagnosis on manual and automated staining systems.
• Work as part of an R&D team to investigate the viability of potential research projects and contribute ideas to departmental innovation activities.
• Plan and conduct laboratory work with appropriate instruction and guidance, generating reliable data and using existing procedures to solve standard problems.
• Undertake literature searches, review existing and competitor products, use relevant databases, and contribute to plans for product development, verification, and validation.
• Develop practical experience in areas such as histopathology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, and microscopic interpretation of antibody or probe staining on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue, where required.

The essential requirements of the role include:

• Completing, or recently completed, a degree or equivalent qualification in Biomedical Science, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or another relevant scientific discipline.
• A sound academic understanding of relevant biomedical science, which may include histopathology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, antibodies, probes, or diagnostic technologies.
• Evidence from university, employment, volunteering, or extracurricular activities that you can plan and organise work, communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and deliver commitments.
• A highly motivated, positive, and enthusiastic approach, with curiosity, self-awareness, resilience, and a proactive commitment to learning and applying feedback.

It would be a plus if you also possess:

• Practical laboratory experience gained through a degree project, placement, internship, or employment, including careful experimental work, accurate record-keeping, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Awareness of cancer biology, pathology, diagnostic assay development, regulated environments, or design controls. Direct experience in these areas is welcomed but is not essential, as training and guidance will be provided.

Leica Biosystems, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info. 

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Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.

For more information, visit www.danaher.com.