Engineer / Sr. Engineer - Optics and Photonics in London

About Meridial

Meridial is a Focused Research Organisation (FRO) with a mission to bring connectomics into the living brain. We are building a platform for longitudinal, synapse-resolution mapping of functional neural circuitry in preclinical models. Our aim is to deploy this platform for translational projects and improve drug development outcomes for disorders of the Central Nervous System. Meridial is a new not-for-profit FRO in the Convergent Research Ecosystem and powered by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA).

About the Role

Meridial is seeking an entrepreneurial Optics & Photonics Engineer to join as a core technical contributor on our multi-photon microscopy platform. This is a hands-on role spanning optical system design, prototyping, iterative development and maintenance in close partnership with our neuroscience and engineering teams. This role reports to the Director of Engineering. You will own the optical stack end-to-end — from ultrafast laser source to sample and detector — and play an active part in identifying and solving technical challenges as our platform grows in capability and ambition.

The position calls for substantial practical experience with multi-photon microscopy and the ability to engage deeply with custom optical design, including working directly with specialty manufacturers to specify and refine components beyond off-the-shelf solutions. It will also involve interfacing with expert contractors who have deep familiarity with specific aspects of our platform, so a genuine eagerness to learn quickly and apply that knowledge effectively is essential. More broadly, the ideal candidate will bring strong optical engineering fundamentals and a startup-friendly mindset that keeps development moving forward in a fast-paced build-and-iterate environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the optical design, prototyping, alignment, and characterisation of our two-photon microscopy platform and its extensions — taking ownership of the full system from ultrafast laser source to the sample and detector.
• Develop and iterate on Zemax (or equivalent) optical models; critically evaluate vendor-supplied designs and push them beyond conservative defaults to meet our performance targets.
• Drive the commissioning of custom optical components, including custom objective lenses — working directly with specialist manufacturers, understanding their design constraints, and independently modifying or extending their models.
• Stay current with emerging optical fabrication and design technologies and proactively identify opportunities to incorporate them into our platform.
• Collaborate closely with neuroscientists and engineers to deeply understand imaging requirements and translate them into optical system specifications.
• Contribute to mechanical design of optical assemblies and opto-mechanical mounts.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and continuously improve existing microscope systems; develop alignment procedures and documentation that scale with the team.
• Help define and raise our technical ambitions — identifying problems we haven't yet seen and proposing creative solutions.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Significant hands-on experience designing, building, and characterising complex optical systems — ideally custom research microscopes including multi-photon systems or other high-performance imaging instruments.
• Proficiency in optical design software (Zemax OpticStudio or equivalent).
• Strong working knowledge of imaging optics fundamentals: aberration theory, Fourier optics, coherence, nonlinear optical processes, and ultrafast laser physics as they apply to multiphoton imaging.
• Demonstrated ability to move fluidly between simulation/modeling and physical hardware.
• Programming ability — enough to write acquisition scripts, automate alignment routines, process and visualise optical characterization data, and interface with hardware (Python preferred; MATLAB acceptable).
• Experience engaging with optical vendors and custom component manufacturers; ability to critically assess and modify third-party optical designs.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset — you can explain a complex optical trade-off to a biologist and take feedback from a neuroscientist and turn it into a design requirement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Industry or startup experience in the field (optical engineering, photonics, instrumentation etc) or postdoctoral research experience, particularly in a lab developing novel microscopy instrumentation — you know how to apply the theory and what it means to build something that has to work reliably.
• Experience with custom objective lens design and/or commissioning, including immersion objectives, high-NA systems, or specialty wavelength ranges.
• Experience with Acousto-optics and Electro-optics.
• Experience with photodetectors (PMTs, Avalanche Photodiodes, photon counting).
• Experience with laser systems, ultrafast pulse characterization, beam delivery, and photonics integration in experimental setups.
• Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) for opto-mechanical design; experience with rapid prototyping workflows (3D printing, machine shop coordination).
• Experience or strong familiarity with three-photon microscopy.
• Experience with advanced two-photon system extensions: adaptive optics, spatial light modulators (SLMs), temporal focusing, or related wavefront/pulse shaping techniques.
• Familiarity with fibre optics and gradient-index (GRIN) lens systems for minimally invasive or endoscopic imaging applications.

Physical Demands

• Fine motor skills for operating computers and office/lab equipment.
• Ability to move light-to-moderately heavy items (typical lab supplies/equipment); may include occasional lifting/carrying with appropriate equipment (e.g., carts/dollies).

Position Type / Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours/week.
• Lab location based in London or Cambridge — ability to travel to both preferred.
• Work arrangement: Hybrid with expected regular onsite presence due to laboratory responsibilities.

Additional Information

• Application materials: CV/resume + cover letter + 2 references.
• For exceptional candidates, we will consider sponsoring visas and supporting relocation.
• Compensation: competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Generous benefits will be communicated in interviews.
• £65,000 - £85,000 a year.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law or company policy. We strive for a diverse, healthy and safe workplace and strictly prohibit harassment of any kind.