At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the sensing science and R&D direction of innovative sensing technologies.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing tech company focused on next-gen odour intelligence and sensing systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to work on cutting-edge technology.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with significant influence over technical direction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse applications from pest control to public health.
- Qualifications: Deep expertise in sensing technologies and experience in scientific R&D leadership.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Dagenham, Essex (2-3 days onsite)
Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 + benefits
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 has recently completed an oversubscribed seed funding round and already has commercial products in the market, alongside an expanding pipeline across pest control, agriculture, animal health and future public health applications.
What the business does:
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.
The Role:
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 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, employee growth, and a collaborative work culture, this role offers the unique opportunity to shape cutting-edge AI and sensor-driven products while working alongside multidisciplinary teams. Enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to make a significant impact in a rapidly growing venture-backed business dedicated to advancing public health and environmental monitoring.
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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their technology and be ready to discuss how your expertise in sensing science can contribute to their innovative projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and how it aligns with the role of VP / Director of Sensing Science. Highlight your leadership skills and technical knowledge, especially in sensor technologies and product development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace VP / Director of Sensing Science
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 tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for sensing science and how your background can help shape our innovative technology. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Relevant Projects:If you've worked on projects involving sensor technologies or data science, make sure to mention them! We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements and contributions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 examples of how you've successfully managed multidisciplinary teams, mentored others, and influenced technical decisions. Highlight your ability to bridge gaps between scientific research and practical product development.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to experimental design, data interpretation, and machine learning applications in sensing technologies. Brush up on your understanding of how to evaluate sensor performance and discuss methodologies you've used in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Curiosity and Adaptability
The company values curiosity and the ability to learn quickly. Be ready to discuss how you've adapted to new technologies or challenges in the past. Share instances where your curiosity led to innovative solutions or improvements in your work.
