Job Title: Assay Development Scientist – Rapid Test Kits / Lateral Flow Assays (IVD R&D)
Location: Nashik-Phata, Pune, India
Employment Type
Full-time
About the Role
We are an early-stage Indian MedTech/IVD startup focused on developing rapid diagnostic test kits and point-of-care diagnostic solutions. We are looking for a hands-on Assay Development Scientist who can help build and optimize lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA/Rapid Test Kits) from early-stage research to working prototypes.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical R&D, troubleshooting, assay optimization, and building diagnostic products from scratch in a startup environment.
Key Responsibilities Assay & Prototype Development
- Develop and optimize lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA)
- Work on rapid diagnostic test strip development and prototyping
- Optimize test line and control line performance
- Improve assay sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility
- Perform buffer optimization and conjugate optimization
- Work with nitrocellulose membranes, conjugate pads, sample pads, and absorbent pads
- Support development of qualitative and semi-quantitative rapid tests
Experimental Work
- Design and execute laboratory experiments
- Perform antibody dilution, conjugation, and assay optimization
- Conduct stability studies and environmental testing
- Troubleshoot false positives, false negatives, weak signals, and flow issues
- Maintain detailed experimental records and documentation
Product Development Support
- Assist in converting research assays into stable prototypes
- Support analytical validation and performance evaluation
- Coordinate with external consultants, vendors, and testing laboratories when required
- Assist in preparation of technical and regulatory documentation
Startup Responsibilities
- Work in a fast-moving startup environment
- Participate in product brainstorming and feasibility discussions
- Help establish laboratory workflows and SOPs
- Support setup of a small IVD R&D laboratory
Required SkillsTechnical Skills
- Strong understanding of immunoassays and lateral flow assay principles
- Experience in assay optimization and troubleshooting
- Knowledge of antigen-antibody interactions
- Understanding of buffers, conjugation chemistry, and assay stability
- Hands-on laboratory experience with micropipettes, centrifuges, incubators, etc.
- Good documentation and data recording practices
Preferred Skills
- Experience in rapid diagnostic kits / LFIA development
- Experience with colloidal gold or fluorescence-based assays
- Understanding of IVD product development workflows
- Exposure to ISO 13485 or medical device documentation
- Experience in prototype development for diagnostics
Educational Qualifications
Note: Practical hands-on experience in rapid test kits, lateral flow assays (LFIA), immunoassays, assay optimization, and laboratory troubleshooting will be preferred over only academic qualifications.
Preferred:
- MSc Biotechnology*
- MSc Biochemistry
- MSc Immunology
- Biomedical Sciences
- Molecular Biology
- Or related life science field
PhD candidates with relevant practical experience are also welcome.
Experience
- 1–5 years preferred
- Candidates with hands-on LFIA/rapid test development experience will be strongly preferred
- Strong practical laboratory skills are more important than only theoretical knowledge
What We Are Looking For
- Hands-on experimental mindset
- Strong troubleshooting ability
- Curiosity and scientific thinking
- Ability to work independently in a startup setup
- Willingness to build products from scratch
- Practical problem-solving approach
Nice to Have
Experience in:
- Dengue rapid tests
- Pregnancy tests
- CRP assays
- Infectious disease diagnostics
- Point-of-care diagnostics
- ELISA development
Compensation
Compensation will depend on:
- Experience
- Practical assay development capability
- Relevant IVD/LFIA experience
- Startup fit and execution ability
Pay: ₹300,000.00 - ₹400,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid sick time
- Provident Fund
Application Question(s):
- 1.Have you worked hands-on on any rapid test kit, lateral flow assay (LFIA), immunoassay, ELISA, or diagnostic assay development project? Please explain your exact role and work performed.
Education:
Work Location: In person
