Pictura Bio is developing the world's first one-minute pathogen detection platform, PIC-ID, leveraging computer vision and machine learning for infectious disease diagnostics. Established in 2022 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford, the company integrates biology, optical engineering, and AI to deliver rapid, accurate, and accessible diagnostic tests at the point of care. Their platform consists of PIC-ID Capture (a universal reagent for pathogen binding), VISTA Reader (a digital image capture and processing device using fluorescence microscopy), and PIC-ID Identify (a deep learning algorithm for image analysis). This technology aims to significantly reduce diagnostic turnaround times from hours or days to under a minute, simplify testing by using a single reagent, and improve patient triage and treatment decisions, addressing critical issues in healthcare like antimicrobial resistance and the accessibility of essential health services. Pictura Bio has secured £2.6 million in pre-seed funding and is progressing through clinical trials and prototype development, with a US subsidiary established for market access. They are positioned as a global front-runner in the image-based infectious disease diagnostics field, with a significant market opportunity in the expanding global infectious disease diagnostics market.
AIComputer visionDiagnosticsInfectious diseaseMachine learningPathogen detectionPoint of careRapid resultspictura.bio
PicturaBio
Pictura Bio is developing the world's first one-minute pathogen detection platform, PIC-ID, leveraging computer vision and machine learning for infectious disease diagnostics. Established in 2022 as a spin-out from the University of Oxford, the company integrates biology, optical engineering, and AI to deliver rapid, accurate, and accessible diagnostic tests at the point of care. Their platform consists of PIC-ID Capture (a universal reagent for pathogen binding), VISTA Reader (a digital image capture and processing device using fluorescence microscopy), and PIC-ID Identify (a deep learning algorithm for image analysis). This technology aims to significantly reduce diagnostic turnaround times from hours or days to under a minute, simplify testing by using a single reagent, and improve patient triage and treatment decisions, addressing critical issues in healthcare like antimicrobial resistance and the accessibility of essential health services. Pictura Bio has secured £2.6 million in pre-seed funding and is progressing through clinical trials and prototype development, with a US subsidiary established for market access. They are positioned as a global front-runner in the image-based infectious disease diagnostics field, with a significant market opportunity in the expanding global infectious disease diagnostics market.
AIComputer visionDiagnosticsInfectious diseaseMachine learningPathogen detectionPoint of careRapid resultspictura.bio
HQOxford, GB
Team Size15
Open Jobs4
Total Funding-
Latest Fundraise2 years ago
Join the Team
Scientist Assay Development
On-SiteOxford, England, GB
On-Site • Oxford, England, GB
Overview
Pictura Bio is a well-funded University of Oxford spin-out developing a novel diagnostic platform for rapid pathogen detection. Our technology combines fluorescence microscopy with automated image analysis and machine learning to identify pathogens in seconds. The platform is being translated into clinical diagnostic products, initially focused on respiratory infections, with broader applications across infectious disease.
Role Purpose
You will play a hands-on role in the development, optimisation, and validation of the Pictura Bio assay. Working closely with assay development, imaging, and data science teams, you will support the transition of a research-stage assay into a robust, reproducible diagnostic workflow.
This role is
, and is suited to a scientist with strong experimental skills, experience in
, and an understanding of working within a
. You will be expected to generate high-quality experimental data, document work rigorously, and contribute to assay robustness, reproducibility, and performance verification.
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fully on-site and laboratory-based
fluorescence microscopy
quality-managed environment
Major Accountabilities
· Design, execute, and document laboratory experiments supporting assay development
· Optimise fluorescence labelling protocols for viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens
· Perform fluorescence microscopy imaging using standardised protocols
· Support development and refinement of imaging workflows (sample prep, imaging parameters)
· Analyse experimental data and contribute to interpretation of assay performance
