At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a mission to eliminate food waste by developing software and designing hardware.
- Company: BlakBear, a deep-tech startup founded by Imperial College PhDs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and a chance to work in a hybrid role.
- Other info: Fast-track your career in a dynamic environment with direct exposure to leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food waste with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: STEM background with skills in AI tools and a passion for problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
BlakBear is a London-based deep-tech startup founded by Imperial College PhDs that is replacing traditional expiry dates with gas sensors and AI. By measuring real-time spoilage, they are tackling the one-third of food wasted globally and have already secured enterprise contracts across Europe and North America.
You will work directly with the CEO and CTO to accelerate BlakBear's mission of eliminating food waste. This hybrid role spans building customer-facing software, designing hardware experiments, and writing firmware. You’ll take on immediate responsibility, solving complex R&D challenges and refining how the technology is presented to enterprise partners.
Location: London, UK
Why this role is remarkable:
- Work directly alongside Imperial College London scientist-founders in a high‑intensity, deep‑tech environment at the Tower Bridge HQ.
- Impact a global crisis by deploying technology that has shown 90%+ correlation with lab testing and is already signing enterprise deals.
- Accelerated career path toward technical leadership or entrepreneurship through direct exposure to both hardware R&D and software product scaling.
What You Will Do:
- Develop and maintain internal software tools and customer-facing interfaces using modern AI‑assisted workflows like Claude and Cursor.
- Design and execute R&D experiments to test gas sensors, write firmware, and iterate on hardware prototypes for food freshness tracking.
- Translate complex technical data into visually compelling presentations and products that communicate freshness insights to global food manufacturers.
The ideal candidate:
- A STEM student or early-career professional in Engineering, Physics, or BioTech with a drive to solve hard, real‑world problems.
- Proficient in using the latest AI tools for development and possessing a keen eye for both functional and aesthetic design.
- Highly adaptable generalist with a scientific mindset, comfortable working across the full stack of deep‑tech development from labs to software.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder Associate (£28k-£35k + Equity) at BlakBear in London
✨Embrace Startup Networking Events
Get yourself into the thick of it by attending local startup networking events or entrepreneur meetups. This is where you can connect directly with founders and other entry-level folks just like you. They often share job opportunities and you never know when someone might mention that perfect opening at Jack & Jill!
✨Join Online Startup Communities
Dive into online communities where startups hang out. Platforms like Slack channels or Reddit threads dedicated to entrepreneurship can be goldmines for job leads and advice. Don't shy away from asking questions or sharing your skills; it could lead to unique opportunities at Jack & Jill!
✨Show Off Your Passion Project
If you’ve got a side project or a personal brand related to startups, flaunt it! Post about your work on social media and share your journey. A strong online presence can catch the eye of recruiters from Jack & Jill looking for enthusiastic candidates.
✨Direct Applications with a Personal Touch
When you find a role at Jack & Jill, don't just hit apply. Reach out directly! Find someone at the company – maybe through LinkedIn – and drop them a message expressing your interest. This personal touch can make a world of difference, especially in the startup scene, where culture fit is key.
We think you need these skills to ace Founder Associate (£28k-£35k + Equity) at BlakBear in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Startups:In your application, we want to see your enthusiasm for the startup world. Mention any relevant projects you've been involved in or startup events you've attended. This shows that you're not just sending out CVs, but that you're genuinely invested in the entrepreneurial spirit.
Highlight Adaptability and Learning Curiosity:Startups thrive on flexibility and constant learning. Be sure to showcase your adaptability in your CV and cover letter. Share experiences where you had to think on your feet or learn something quickly—this will set you apart from the crowd.
Keep It Casual, but Clear:We love a friendly vibe! When you write your cover letter, keep it conversational and show your personality. However, make sure your points about your skills and experiences are clear and relevant to the role. We're all about connection and authenticity.
Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit:In the startup scene, teamwork is crucial. Use your CV to highlight any group projects or team-based experiences you've had, even if they were during studies or volunteering. This shows that you can work well with others, which is a huge plus for us at Jack & Jill!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jack & Jill
✨Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
In the interview with Jack & Jill, let your passion for startups shine through. Talk about any personal projects or ventures you've been involved with, even if they're small. This will show you're proactive and have the entrepreneurial mindset they're looking for.
✨Be Ready for a Dynamic Discussion
Startups thrive on adaptability, so expect to engage in a conversation rather than a traditional Q&A. Be prepared to discuss how you respond to challenges and work in uncertain environments. Share any experiences where you've had to think on your feet or pivot quickly.
✨Highlight Problem-Solving Skills
Since it's an entry-level position, they might probe your ability to solve problems creatively. Prepare a few examples where you identified an issue and implemented a solution, whether in your studies, internships, or volunteer work. This will demonstrate you can add value from day one.
✨Tailor Your Questions to Startup Life
When it’s your turn to ask questions, steer them towards the startup culture at Jack & Jill. Ask about their growth stages, how they handle failure, or how they encourage innovation within the team. This shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their journey, not just landing any job.
