At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research and development in soft robotics and smart textiles for wearable tech.
- Company: Exciting stealth startup at the forefront of robotics innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and visa sponsorship available.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team shaping the future of adaptive apparel and human performance.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields and strong hands-on skills in textile fabrication.
- Other info: Significant growth opportunities and collaborative culture in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Your mission is to create adaptive apparel that enhances human movement, health, and performance in everyday and clinical environments. We are seeking a Scientist specialising in soft robotics and smart textiles to drive research, prototyping, and integration of our textile-embedded actuation and sensing systems.
R&D & Core Technology Development
- Lead research in textile-integrated soft robotics, focusing on compliant actuation and embedded sensing.
- Design, build, and iterate multilayer textile prototypes, including composites, functional textiles, and smart materials.
- Explore and characterise adaptive actuation systems suited for wearable use (e.g., pneumatic, compliant, or shape-changing mechanisms).
- Develop and validate sensing concepts (e.g., strain, pressure, EMG, IMU) embedded directly into textile structures.
Integration & System Engineering
- Collaborate with mechanical, electronics, and software teams to integrate actuation systems, textile-based sensors, control electronics, and algorithms.
- Support development of closed-loop wearable systems (sensing to interpretation to actuation).
- Translate human-movement insights into requirements for fit, actuation behaviour, and sensing placement.
Biomechanics, Physiology & Testing
- Conduct body-on tests to evaluate performance, comfort, and mechanics of prototypes.
- Support development of protocols to assess durability, movement response, safety, and long-term behaviour.
- Work with clinical or human-performance partners to refine testing methodologies.
Prototyping & Validation
- Produce prototypes, rigs, and demonstrators to accelerate technology readiness.
- Define material behaviours, failure modes, and performance criteria.
- Contribute to internal documentation, publications, and IP generation.
Strategic Contribution
- Shape long-term technical roadmaps and influence product direction as part of the early founding team.
- Help build lab capabilities, tools, and processes for ongoing R&D.
Your profile
Essential Requirements
- PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Textile Engineering, or equivalent industry R&D experience.
- Strong hands-on skills in smart textile fabrication (knitting, weaving, embroidery, lamination, bonding, or textile-integrated electronics).
- Experience with soft actuators (e.g., pneumatic, compliant, or shape-changing mechanisms).
- Ability to translate research into functional prototypes.
- Experience with mechanical characterisation, experimental design, or materials testing.
- A solution-driven mindset and comfort working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
Desirable
- Experience with wearable robotic systems, exosuits, or textile-embedded sensors (pressure, strain, EMG, IMU).
- Familiarity with multilayer textile composite construction, bonding, or advanced fabrication techniques.
- Understanding of biomechanics, ergonomics, or human–machine interaction.
- Prior industry or startup experience developing physical products.
- Rapid prototyping, iteration, and user-testing experience.
Why us?
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to help define foundational technology at a stealth startup at the forefront of robotics.
- Significant scope for growth and leadership as part of the early team.
- Collaborative, mission-driven culture.
- Visa sponsorship for candidates.
Scientist – Soft Robotics & Smart Textiles employer: Botz Innovation
Contact Detail:
Botz Innovation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist – Soft Robotics & Smart Textiles
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the soft robotics and smart textiles field. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, prototypes, and any relevant research. This is your chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience with smart textiles and soft actuators. Make it easy for potential employers to see what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s mission and technology. Understand their products and think about how your background in textile-integrated sensing can contribute. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to shape the future of wearable robotics. Your application will stand out when you show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission-driven team.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist – Soft Robotics & Smart Textiles
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with smart textiles and soft robotics. We want to see how your skills align with our mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your projects and prototypes!
Tailor Your Application: Just like we create adaptive apparel, tailor your application to fit the role! Use keywords from the job description and relate your experiences directly to what we’re looking for in a Scientist.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our stealth startup.
How to prepare for a job interview at Botz Innovation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest advancements in soft robotics and smart textiles. Be ready to discuss your PhD research or any relevant projects in detail, especially how they relate to textile-integrated sensing and actuation systems.
✨Show Off Your Hands-On Skills
Prepare to talk about your practical experience with smart textile fabrication techniques like knitting, weaving, or bonding. Bring examples of prototypes you've worked on, and be ready to explain the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with mechanical, electronics, and software teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across disciplines. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve translated complex ideas into actionable tasks.
✨Think Like a User
Be prepared to discuss how you would approach user testing and prototyping for wearable systems. Consider how human movement insights can influence design decisions, and share any experiences you have with user feedback and iteration.