At a Glance
- Tasks: Design, build, and test electronic components for cutting-edge life sciences instruments.
- Company: Join Portal Biotech, a leader in innovative proteomics technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and hands-on experience.
- Other info: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health and disease understanding through advanced technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electronics/Electrical Engineering and knowledge of analogue electronics required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
Electronics Engineer — Life Sciences Instrumentation employer: Portal Biotech
Portal Biotech is an excellent employer for those looking to grow their finance career in a dynamic startup environment. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills in various finance areas while working with modern systems like Xero and Sage Intacct. Our collaborative work culture encourages innovation and offers flexibility through hybrid working arrangements, making it a rewarding place to contribute and thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electronics Engineer — Life Sciences Instrumentation
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Portal Biotech. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Portal Biotech!
We think you need these skills to ace Electronics Engineer — Life Sciences Instrumentation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Portal Biotech that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Portal Biotech.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Portal Biotech does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portal Biotech
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Portal Biotech. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Portal Biotech's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Portal Biotech. This shows your passion for the industry!
