Electronics Engineer – Life Sciences Instrumentation

About Portal Biotech

Portal Biotech is developing next‑generation bench‑top instruments for proteomics, building on decades of in‑house expertise in nanopore technology. By analysing full‑length protein molecules at the single‑molecule level, our platform delivers rapid, real‑time information on protein identity, abundance, and structure. This insight opens frontiers in drug discovery, diagnostics, and fundamental research, helping scientists and clinicians to better understand human health and disease.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated, early‑career‑stage electronics engineer, including graduates, to join our Hardware team. Based in our headquarters in Scale Space, White City, London, and reporting to the Instrument Team Leader, this primarily on‑site role will involve designing, building and testing electronic components and fully assembled prototype systems for current‑based nanopore sensing. In this endeavour you will work cross‑functionally on ambitious objectives with other teams and external partners.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Integrate electronic and mechanical solutions developed internally or in partnership with external organisations into biosensing and nanopore platforms.
• Support lab automation efforts through implementation of electronic and mechanical devices.
• Optimise circuit layouts and develop shielding techniques to minimise noise and interference.
• Implement signal processing techniques (hardware/software) to enhance signal‑to‑noise ratio.
• Perform circuit simulations and modelling using tools such as Spice.
• Document designs and test results, and write requirements, specifications and technical reports.
• Help maintain instrument stock as required (carry out upgrades, repairs, compliance checks).
• Liaise with external partners on subjects including PCB/chip design, fabrication, and testing.
• Stay updated with emerging trends in precision electronics and sensors.

Qualification Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electronics / Electrical Engineering.
• Knowledge of analogue electronics, with particular emphasis on instrumentation, low‑noise design, and small‑signal measurement systems.
• Experience with PCB design EDA tools; and in designing PCBs, with good understanding of signal integrity, grounding, shielding, and noise mitigation.
• Experience characterising and debugging electronic systems and components such as amplifiers, DACs, ADCs, power supplies, and digital interfaces.
• Hands‑on experience prototyping, testing and debugging PCBs and PCBAs using electronic lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, logic analysers, spectrum analysers etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work across a broad range of engineering problems, from concept design and simulation through prototyping, test, integration, and system‑level troubleshooting.
• Working level proficiency in C, C++, Python for test automation and hardware bring‑up.
• Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail.

Desirable:

• Hands‑on experience with microcontrollers, embedded control systems, and supervisory circuitry.
• Hands‑on experience with soldering and PCB assembly.
• Familiarity with life sciences instrumentation and medical devices.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.