At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape R&D in sensing science, guiding sensor integration and product development.
- Company: Innovative tech company focused on next-gen odour intelligence and sensing systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with diverse applications across multiple industries.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing company with unique sensing technology.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in sensing technologies and experience in scientific R&D leadership.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
An innovative technology company developing next-generation odour intelligence and sensing systems is looking for a VP / Director of Sensing Science to lead and shape its sensing and scientific R&D capability. This is a rare opportunity to join a rapidly growing, venture-backed business that combines advanced sensor technology, AI/ML, data science and chemical sensing to build products capable of detecting and interpreting biological and environmental signals in ways not previously possible.
The company develops intelligent sensing platforms that analyse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odours using combinations of:
- Gas and chemical sensors
- Sensor fusion
- Embedded systems and IoT hardware
- Machine learning and AI classification
- Data science and large-scale data platforms
Their technology is already being used commercially and the business is now scaling both its R&D capability and product development pipeline. Projects range from smart pest monitoring systems through to animal health diagnostics and emerging human health applications.
This role will sit at the centre of the company's scientific and sensing strategy. You will lead the sensing science and R&D direction of the business, bringing greater scientific rigour, technical leadership and coordination across sensing, experimentation, hardware integration and data science. You'll work closely with engineering, firmware, software and data science teams to guide how sensors are selected, tested, integrated and optimised within real-world products. This is a highly technical leadership role rather than a pure management position.
The company is specifically looking for someone with deep sensor expertise who can bridge the gap between:
- Sensor technologies
- Experimental design
- Product development
- Data interpretation
- Machine learning outputs
- Hardware integration
You'll help shape how sensing technologies are deployed across a broad range of applications and products.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the company's sensing science and R&D function
- Managing and mentoring multidisciplinary scientific teams
- Defining experimental design and testing methodologies
- Guiding sensor selection for new product applications
- Evaluating sensor performance, limitations and deployment suitability
- Working closely with hardware and engineering teams on sensor integration
- Collaborating with data scientists to interpret sensor outputs and improve ML models
- Helping turn early-stage concepts into scalable commercial products
- Supporting the development of the company's growing sensing and AI platform
- Influencing future hiring and technical direction within the business
The role will also involve working with external partners and customers on 'discovery' projects, where the company develops bespoke sensing solutions for new commercial applications. Examples of projects include:
- Pest detection and monitoring
- Agricultural sensing
- Companion animal diagnostics
- Environmental monitoring
- Public health and disease detection
- Odour and VOC analysis
What They're Looking For
The ideal candidate will combine strong scientific credibility with practical product development experience. You do not need to be an expert in every area, but you must have deep expertise in sensing technologies and understand how sensor data is used in real-world systems. Likely background areas include:
- Sensor technologies
- Gas sensing
- Chemical sensing
- VOC sensing
- Embedded sensing systems
- Sensor fusion
- Analytical chemistry
- Chemical ecology
- Machine learning for sensor systems
- Scientific R&D leadership
Experience they are particularly interested in includes:
- Managing scientific or technical R&D teams
- Working with multidisciplinary engineering teams
- Productising sensing technologies
- Translating research into commercial products
- Working with data science / ML teams
- Designing experiments and interpreting scientific data
Sensor technologies of interest include:
- Metal oxide gas sensors
- MEMS sensors
- Electrochemical sensors
- PID sensors
- FBAR sensors
The company understands this is an extremely niche hire, so they are open to candidates from academia, research organisations or commercial environments - provided you can combine scientific depth with practical, hands-on product thinking. Curiosity, adaptability and the ability to learn quickly are considered just as important as ticking every technical box.
Why Join?
- Opportunity to shape a genuinely unique sensing technology platform
- Work on cutting-edge AI and sensor-driven products
- Join a business already generating commercial revenue
- Significant influence over technical direction and future growth
- Diverse applications across multiple industries
- Fast-growing, well-funded technology environment
- Chance to work on technology with major long-term public health potential
VP / Director of Sensing Science in London employer: KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD
Join a pioneering technology company in Dagenham, Essex, where you will lead the charge in developing next-generation sensing systems that have real-world applications across various industries. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, the company offers a dynamic work culture that encourages professional growth and creativity, alongside competitive salaries and benefits. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in a rapidly expanding venture-backed business that values scientific expertise and practical product development.
Contact Details:
KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land VP / Director of Sensing Science in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your projects and achievements in sensing science. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss real-world applications of sensor technologies. We want you to shine and show how you can contribute to their innovative projects!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can help us push the boundaries of sensing science.
We think you need these skills to ace VP / Director of Sensing Science in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the VP / Director of Sensing Science role. Highlight your expertise in sensor technologies and any relevant R&D leadership experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about sensing science and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our innovative team. Be sure to mention any unique projects you've worked on.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We’re looking for someone with deep sensor expertise, so don’t hold back! Include specific examples of your work with sensor technologies, experimental design, and product development to demonstrate your technical prowess.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at KO2 Embedded Recruitment Solutions LTD
✨Know Your Sensors
Make sure you brush up on the latest sensor technologies relevant to the role. Understand how different sensors work, their applications, and limitations. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've used these technologies in past projects will show your depth of knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is about leading teams and guiding R&D direction. Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams or projects. Highlight your ability to mentor others and how you've influenced technical decisions in previous roles.
✨Connect Science with Product Development
Be ready to discuss how you've translated scientific research into commercial products. Think of examples where you've worked closely with engineering and data science teams to bring a product from concept to market. This will demonstrate your practical understanding of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the company's future and its sensing technology platform. Inquire about their current projects, challenges they face in sensor integration, or how they envision the evolution of their AI-driven products. This will reflect your curiosity and strategic thinking.
