Optical Instrumentation Engineer | Spectroscopy | Analytical Instrumentation | | AI | Photonics[...]

Overview

Optical Instrumentation Engineer to join our team on our journey to revolutionize personalized medicine. This role is based in London and collaborates with teams in the UK and abroad.

• System design & assembly: Personal design, build, align, and calibrate novel optical analytical instruments (e.g., Raman, FTIR, fluorescence, scattering) from concept and component selection through bench assembly and validation.
• Hands‑on prototyping: Solve optical/mechanical design challenges, design custom components/fixtures, and iterate rapidly to hit performance targets.
• Systems integration: Integrate optics with detectors/light sources, motion/actuation, electronics, fluidics, and software control to deliver fully functional prototypes.
• Testing & validation: Plan and execute experiments; analyze data to troubleshoot and optimize SNR, resolution, stability, dynamic range; own verification against specifications.
• Technical guidance: Serve as in‑house subject‑matter expert for spectroscopy—advise on component selection (gratings, filters, objectives, fibers, detectors), system architecture, and experimental methodology.
• Documentation & knowledge transfer: Maintain design files, BOMs, alignment procedures, and test reports; ensure reproducibility; support IP filings and hand‑off to manufacturing.
• Cross‑functional collaboration: Work closely with scientists, assay developers, data scientists, and QA/RA to ensure instruments meet biological, analytical, and regulatory needs.
• Safety & compliance: Uphold lab/laser safety; support design controls and documentation aligned with ISO 13485 (and related standards when in scope).
• Innovation: Track advances in spectroscopy/optics; prototype and evaluate new architectures to push platform capability.

Qualifications and experience described below reflect the expectations for this role.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree (PhD or exceptional MSc) in Physics, Optics/Photonics, Nanoscience, or related engineering field.
• 3+ years industry experience designing, building, and operating complex optical systems from scratch in a lab environment.
• Deep, practical knowledge of Raman/FTIR/fluorescence/scattering instrumentation and how to build/align such systems.
• Strong hands‑on skills in opto‑mechanics, precision alignment, stray‑light control, and thermal/vibration management.
• Experience with data acquisition & control (e.g., Python/Matlab/C++/LabVIEW, pyVISA; motion stages/controllers).
• Plus: Familiarity with optical & mechanical CAD (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio, SolidWorks/Onshape) and tolerance analysis.
• Plus: experience maturing prototypes toward production (DfX, manufacturability, reliability), and mentoring junior engineers/scientists.
• Advantageous: fiber optics, micro‑optics, microfluidics, laser safety, electronics, and signal processing/statistics.
• Builder’s mindset: hands‑on, resourceful, and relentless about quality.
• Low‑ego collaborator who elevates a multidisciplinary team.
• Mission‑driven and patient‑centered, comfortable in a fast‑paced startup.

About iLoF

In a world where personalized medicine is becoming the norm, iLoF is building an AI‑powered platform capable of transforming precision medicine. Recognized by CB Insights and Financial Times as a leading Digital Health company, we aim to democratize access to personalized medicine for millions of people worldwide.

With a proprietary optical fingerprint library of disease biomarkers and biological profiles, we offer personalized patient screening and stratification more quickly and affordably, while improving the patient experience.

Supported by Microsoft Ventures, Mayfield, and the Oxford University, we focus on validating our platform technology against major healthcare challenges such as Alzheimer’s, alongside ongoing work in Digestive Cancer, Stroke, and Infectious diseases.

We are a mix of scientists, entrepreneurs, and inventors based in Oxford and Porto, united by a passion for healthcare.

iLoF has been highlighted by CB Insights and the Financial Times and featured in Tech Crunch, Wired, and Sifted as a rising star in AI‑Driven Drug Discovery, Health Screening & Data Analytics.

What we value

• A Be Kind attitude is the main guideline within iLoF
• A hand in the hammer and another free to support your co‑workers as a true team player
• An honest and egoless attitude towards discussions and critics working in good faith
• The braveness to speak your heart in any situation
• Through words or actions be always sure to make a difference at any moment!
• Be proud to drive your responsibilities to success and help others do the same, embracing ownership!
• An exciting future with a deep‑tech company selected by Financial Times and CB Insights as one of the most transformative companies in the world
• A high‑paced, flexible environment: adaptable working hours, strong remote work culture
• A stimulating atmosphere with room for creativity – fast‑paced, fun, and energetic start‑up with a friendly culture
• Weekly happy hours with amazing food and drinks
• Free coffee and snacks
• Private healthcare insurance (for employees; contractor benefits to be agreed)
• The opportunity to work with a world‑class, talented team – and potentially change healthcare as we know it for millions of patients living with complex diseases around the globe

We share a passion for being part of a mission that matters, and we are always looking for curious and collaborative people who share our values and want to be part of our journey.

If that sounds like a fit for you, click the apply button and join us.

You’ve read all this way but you’re missing a skill or two? No problem, it’s our job to upskill you to take your career to the next level. What we’re trying to say is, don’t be afraid to apply if you don’t tick all the boxes.