At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to develop innovative tech that reduces food waste and improves freshness tracking.
- Company: BlakBear, a pioneering tech company transforming the food industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shares, top healthcare, free snacks, and mental health support.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with exciting social events and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while learning and growing your skills.
- Qualifications: STEM background with a passion for problem-solving and design.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Most food is still good to eat or cook at the expiry date, because the use‑by dates are chosen to cover a worst‑case scenario. They’re great for quality and safety, but cause £bns of waste. This decade, food will tell you how fresh it is, and the world will stop wasting food because of a fixed printed date. We replace use‑by dates and shelf‑life testing with sensors that measure spoilage gas, and AI that predicts the remaining days of freshness. We invented this technology as scientists from Imperial College London, and we’re using it to improve the whole supply chain, from food producers to households, and reduce the unbelievable amounts of waste caused by the 50‑year‑old system of destructive testing and printed expiry dates. We are signing sales contracts with enterprise customers across Europe and North America, changing regulations and industry guidance as we go.
The Role
We’re looking for a sharp, curious, and ambitious Founder Associate to join our team. You’ll work directly with the CEO and CTO across software product development and hardware R&D. On the product side, you’ll build internal tools and customer‑facing software, and contribute to how we communicate and present our technology visually. On the hardware side, you’ll design experiments, test sensors, write firmware, and solve real‑world R&D challenges. You’ll take on real responsibility early and grow into areas that match your strengths. This is a rare opportunity to learn by doing at the intersection of deep tech and product - and if you want to grow into technical leadership (or eventually start something yourself), this is the kind of role that accelerates that.
Must haves
- A STEM student or early‑career professional (Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, BioTech, Computer Science, etc.)
- A generalist with a scientific mindset and a drive to figure things out
- An eye for design and how things look, not just how they work
- Excited about learning new tools, techniques, and ways of working
Nice to have
- Experience with hardware prototyping
- Experience with data science and engineering
- Experience working with food samples or resistance measurements
Personality
- Extremely hardworking with keen desire to learn rapidly
- Gives and receives transparent feedback
- Motivated to solve hard problems
- Team player who collaborates well with others
- Self‑aware and emotionally intelligent
If you’re passionate about the role and excited to grow into it, we encourage you to apply, even if you’re not sure you meet everything listed. This is a full‑time on‑site role, Monday to Friday at our Tower Bridge headquarters in London.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and shares in BlakBear Ltd
- Top tier private healthcare, fully covered
- Free healthy snacks available in the office
- Impactful work, moving the needle on one of the great industries of humanity
- Mental health support and counselling
- In the office 5 days per week at our London HQ, with trips to customer sites in Europe and North America.
- Monthly socials such as dinners, VR experiences, or games nights
- Team skill building events, such as 3D Printing Day and AI Hackathon
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder Associate in London
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Blakbear.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Blakbear!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Blakbear, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Blakbear, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Founder Associate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Blakbear, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Blakbear.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Blakbear. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Blakbear. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blakbear
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Blakbear’s mission.
