Development Scientist (Chip Development)

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing ONT’s core chip platforms through hands‑on experimental development, detailed characterisation, and data‑driven performance improvement. Working primarily in lab environments, you will design and run experiments that deepen our understanding of chip and flow cell behaviour, helping to improve current products and shape future platform development. This is a highly cross‑disciplinary role, suited to someone who enjoys combining practical experimental science with thoughtful analysis, technical problem‑solving, and confidence in approaching complex scientific challenges. You will work closely with colleagues across other departments, such as Research, Engineering and Production, using a range of analytical, electrical and imaging techniques to investigate performance, identify improvement opportunities and translate findings into real product impact.

Remit of the Successful Candidate

• Design and carry out experiments to evaluate chip and flow cell performance, including sample preparation, wet assembly, and specialised test set‑up where required.
• Use analytical and imaging techniques such as optical and confocal microscopy, SEM, EDX, and related methods to investigate materials, structures, and failure modes.
• Perform electrical characterisation of sensor chips on ONT platforms to understand behaviour, assess performance and support technology development.
• Analyse experimental data to understand key drivers of chip performance and platform quality.
• Identify variability, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement in experimental methods and manufacturing‑related workflows.
• Record and document experimental methods, observations and results to a high standard, ensuring work is reproducible and insights are accessible to others.
• Communicate findings clearly through reports, presentations and discussion with cross‑functional teams.

Essential Qualifications

• A degree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• An interest in hands‑on experimental science and working carefully with complex systems and processes.
• Strong analytical thinking and ability to interpret experimental data.
• Confidence using scripting or programming to answer scientific questions, automate routine tasks or improve test methods.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with Research, Production and Engineering teams.
• Curiosity, initiative, adaptability and a genuine willingness to learn and develop.

Desirable Qualifications

• Relevant post‑graduate or industrial experience in one or more of the areas described above.
• Experience with MEMS structures, sensors, interfaces or materials used in electrochemical and microfluidic systems.
• Experience of scientific programming, analysis scripting or software development in a scientific or engineering context.
• Experience of working in a cleanroom environment.

Applications are encouraged from highly motivated individuals who enjoy solving challenging technical problems, working effectively across disciplines, and contributing in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment where they can make a visible impact. We offer outstanding benefits, including an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. The role is based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree‑lined walks, water features and a lake.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person’s gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.