Scientist, Bio-image Analysis & Operations in Cambridge

bit.bio is an award-winning spinout from the University of Cambridge. Our breakthrough technology combines synthetic and stem cell biology for the precise, efficient and consistent reprogramming of human cells used in research, drug discovery, and cell therapy. At bit.bio, we are passionate about engineering human cells that will enable the medicine of the future. To do this we need talented and curious people who want to make an impact on the future of science and therapeutics. As a team of individuals, we value science, collaboration, openness, curiosity and creativity. We are united by trust and respect for each other.

Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge

Type: Full time, permanent

Start: Immediate

Salary: Competitive / Hours: 40 p/w

This role does not meet the minimum salary requirements for UK skilled worker sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK or must not require sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa.

Our role in our team: We are looking for a versatile Scientist with expertise in both advanced microscopy and bio-image analysis to join our Imaging Facility. Reporting to the Imaging Lead within the Automation and Technical Facilities team, you will play a dual role: ensuring our state-of-the-art imaging hardware is performing at its peak and developing the automated analysis pipelines that turn raw pixels into biological insights. You will work cross-functionally to support the entire bit.bio product workflow, from early-stage discovery to production quality control, ensuring our imaging capabilities remain at the forefront of the industry.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Imaging Operations: Contribute to the day-to-day maintenance and troubleshooting of the facility's high-end light microscopy instrumentation to ensure maximum uptime and data quality.
• Workflow Development: Maintain and expand in-house bio-image analysis pipelines. You will assess project requirements, select the appropriate tools, and build automated, well-documented, user-friendly workflows for staff across the organisation.
• Image data integration: Contribute to the development of best-practice workflows to integrate image data with technical and experimental metadata to fuel downstream data models.
• User Empowerment: Provide high-level training and support to scientists on both microscope operation and image analysis software, fostering a culture of best practices in data acquisition and management.
• Automation & Integration: Work with the Automation team to integrate imaging workflows into larger automation and data pipelines, supporting high-throughput phenotyping and QC.
• Documentation & Compliance: Develop and maintain SOPs, risk assessments, and COSHH documentation, ensuring all imaging activities meet health, safety, and data integrity standards.
• Innovation: Assist the Imaging Lead in evaluating and implementing novel imaging technologies and AI-based analysis methods (Deep Learning/Machine Learning) to keep the facility at the cutting edge.

You…

• Will have a minimum Bachelor's/Master's degree in a relevant Biological or Physical Science subject (or equivalent experience) with demonstrable industry experience in a core facility or high-throughput imaging environment.
• Possess a "problem-solver" mindset, comfortable with both the physical mechanics of a microscope and the logic of a complex script.
• Are a clear communicator, capable of translating complex image analysis concepts for non-expert end users.
• Are meticulous regarding data integrity, traceability, and documentation.

With essential experience in…

• Advanced Microscopy: Hands-on experience with high-end imaging systems (e.g., confocal, widefield, and high-content screening platforms).
• Open-Source Bio-image Analysis: Proficiency in building and deploying workflows using tools such as Python, napari, Fiji/ImageJ, CellProfiler, or KNIME.
• Pipeline Development: Demonstrated ability to create automated, end-user facing analysis routines that handle large datasets efficiently.
• Data Management: Experience managing large-scale image data and an understanding of bio-image metadata standards.
• AI/ML Expertise: Experience implementing "off-the-shelf" or custom deep learning models for segmentation, restoration, or classification (e.g., StarDist, Cellpose, Careamics) and/or experience building custom model architectures using PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Software Engineering: Familiarity with version control (Git) and containerization (Docker) for deploying analysis environments.
• Standardisation: Experience working within a Quality Management System (QMS) or developing validated assays for production QC.

More reasons to join us: bit.bio provides a vibrant and dynamic work environment in an exciting, fast-moving time for biology. We work with cutting edge technologies and with our world-leading scientific advisory board. We conduct pioneering work with real-world impact. We trust our people to make significant contributions early on with opportunities to be involved in projects that are key to the success and growth of our young company. We invest in people, creating opportunities for personal development in an inclusive multi-skilled team with ambitious goals that provide opportunities to learn on the job from each other. Creativity and open minds are encouraged for everyone to contribute to the success of the company.