Head of R&D

About Level Zero

Level Zero is pioneering next-generation biosensor technology for precise, real-time monitoring of critical endocrine biomarkers. Recognised as one of the top 20 startups across all categories worldwide at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024—and backed by top-tier organisations like SOSV and Entrepreneur First—we’re pushing the boundaries of biochemistry and nanotechnology to revolutionise personalised health. Founded by two seasoned engineers, we bring extensive experience in R&D, technical innovation, and commercial strategy to transform the way people monitor their health. Our mission is bold: to revolutionise health management by delivering clinical-grade data directly to individuals, wherever they are. We’re seeking driven innovators to join us in pushing the boundaries of biosensing and health tech, making personalised health monitoring a reality for everyone. To achieve this ambitious vision, we’re assembling the best team in the world—dedicated to turning cutting-edge science into life-changing, real-world solutions.

About The Role

As the head of R&D, you will guide the development of our next-generation biosensors. Leveraging your technical expertise and leadership skills, you will drive innovation, foster collaboration, and optimise processes. You will lead a talented team of scientists and engineers, utilising your background in either aptamer-based or interstitial fluid-based sensor development. Your role involves not only delving deep into the specifics of R&D experiments but also overseeing R&D initiatives, managing cross-functional projects, and leading a rapidly expanding team. Your overarching goal will be to ensure the successful transition of our research efforts into commercialised products. This is a full-time, in-person role primarily based in London.

Key responsibilities:

• Strategic & Technical R&D Leadership: Work with company leadership to develop and execute the strategic vision, aligning with the company’s goals.
• Project Management: Lead and manage multidisciplinary R&D projects, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and alignment with project goals.
• Technical Oversight: Oversee the development and validation of biosensor prototypes and ensure rigorous testing and data analysis to support experiment outcomes and higher level decisions.
• Team Leadership and Development: Mentor and lead a diverse team of scientists and engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment. Establish clear objectives and performance metrics for team members, ensuring alignment with departmental and organisational goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate across departments for seamless technology transitions, support leadership in external partnerships for biosensor R&D, and provide senior management with project updates and strategic insights.
• Process Improvement: Bring first-hand experience in best practices and frameworks for quality, process improvement, and staged de-risking and development workflows, and translate these into improved cross-functional processes for R&D.

What You Bring:

• A Ph.D. degree in Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Over 8 years of experience in biosensor development, with a proven track record of leading and managing complex R&D projects and teams focused on aptamer or interstitial fluid-based biosensors.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in a broad array of biosensor technologies, including aptamer-based, electrochemical, nanoparticle-based, and interstitial fluid-based biosensors, as well as oligonucleotide chemistry.
• Strong leadership skills with a history of mentoring and developing high-performing, cross-functional teams.
• Outstanding communication skills, capable of articulating complex scientific concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, aimed at delivering innovative and practical solutions to complex scientific problems.
• A meticulous approach and rigorous attention to detail, ensuring precision in research design, data analysis, and documentation.

Who You Are:

We value culture as much as we value technical expertise, creating an environment that’s equal parts collaboration, curiosity, and fun. We’re a fast-paced, mission-driven young team on a quest to make a lasting impact, fuelled by uncompromising integrity, unwavering support for one another, and the thrill of exploring uncharted territories. Our passion for excellence drives everything we do, and we welcome individuals who share our commitment to shaping the future. If our vision excites you, here are the qualities we look for:

• You live and breathe integrity, tackling challenges with honesty and transparency.
• You relish the challenge of leading and building teams, lead by example, and nurture a culture of collaboration.
• You’re motivated by creating real impact, particularly when it comes to advancing human health.
• You value both giving and receiving feedback, viewing it as an essential tool for continuous improvement.
• You are biased towards action and take ownership and accountability for your work.
• You are excited by the challenge of taking a leadership role in a fast-paced startup.

What We Offer:

• A full-time role with a competitive salary and equity options.
• An environment where you’ll collaborate directly with the founding team at a leading biosensor startup.
• The chance to grow with us, including ample opportunities for leadership, career advancement, and exploration.
• Travel to New York and other potential sites for R&D purposes.
• The excitement of working on cutting-edge technology, building teams, shaping strategic decisions, and driving innovation.

Be Part of Our Journey:

If you’re ready to be at the forefront of biosensing innovation and thrive in fast-paced, learning-rich environments, we’d love to hear from you. If your skills and experience do not align perfectly with this role, yet you believe you have something unique to offer, we’re keen to listen. Reach out to us with a short statement on how you can contribute and let’s discuss where you might fit into our team.