At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design and develop next-gen optical instruments using cutting-edge technology.
- Company: Refeyn, a leader in innovative bioanalytics and microscopy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private health insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant culture with team-building activities and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in science and technology while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: BSc in Engineering or equivalent; experience in optics and data analysis is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 39000 £ per year.
Role Overview - Primary Objective: To help deliver next generation instruments involving a combination of lasers, electro-optics systems, 3D positioners, high speed CMOS detectors and microfluidics.
How you'll achieve it: Working in the engineering function alongside multidisciplinary engineers, the system engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining Refeyn’s cutting edge technology platforms and will lead and participate in high-level instrument design choices, definition of module boundaries and the integration of new and improved modules/features into the broader technology platform. The system engineer will work closely with research, engineering, software, product, and operations teams, to translate product requirements into technical specifications and actionable design verification plans. The system engineer will be responsible for scoping future product/system requirements, scoping their architecture and how they will fit/interact with our current systems, and planning for this integration/upgrade. They will take ownership for the delivery of all technical and customer facing specification for new products and systems.
Key responsibilities for this role include:
- Provide technical and scientific insight to develop/deliver new innovations in the implementation mass photometry for next generation instruments and submodules, including optical/electro-optical design and data analysis approaches, from proof of concept to production handover.
- Concepting, designing, building and troubleshooting prototype optical microscopy instruments that measure single molecule properties based on the detection of light scattering.
- Analysing complex data sets taken on custom built hardware to evaluate instrument performance.
- Working closely with applications specialists, systems engineers and software developers to deliver new designs or features.
- Understand and define complex technical specifications and requirements and interpret these to realise new designs/features quickly.
- Actively participating in the growth of Refeyn’s IP portfolio and identifying patentable IP.
- Keep up to date on the cutting-edge advances in the fields of light microscopy, light scattering and single molecule bioanalytics, with a view to offer novel approaches and improvements to our technology roadmap.
We are ideally looking for someone with the following skills and experience:
- BSc Engineering (all fields) or equivalent experience.
- Self-starting and excited by the prospect of working alongside/contributing to a multi-disciplinary team focussed on developing novel high-tech instrumentation.
- Relevant experience in an optics/electro-optics background, for example: a PhD in Microscopy/laser optics/Nano-optics and a degree in a related field.
- Design/alignment/troubleshooting of optical equipment; Building new optics systems in microscopy or similar technologies.
- Data analysis in C/C++/Python/Matlab or similar package – ability to perform complex analysis on novel data.
We know there is no such thing as the perfect candidate and that there is great value in transferrable skills, so please don’t feel you have to tick all of the above boxes to apply!
Why work for Refeyn?
- Compensation and core benefits: We anticipate a base salary of £34,000 to £39,000 for this role, depending on candidate experience.
- 25 days annual leave per year in addition to bank holidays.
- Up to 7% employer matched pension contribution.
- Private health insurance from day one plus Medicash, critical illness cover, income protection and life insurance.
- Give as You Earn and Cycle to Work salary sacrifice schemes.
- Annual Company and Individual bonus scheme.
- Paid volunteer day each year.
Family Friendly Benefits: Refeyn offers YellowNest Nursery Scheme to all employees once probation is passed, and new parents can benefit from up to 17 weeks fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, 4 weeks fully paid paternity leave, plus an annual allowance for emergency childcare.
Supporting your Development: All employees receive access to Linkedin Learning which offers thousands of courses to support their personal and professional development. We also run frequent training sessions on both hard and soft skills.
Creating an Engaging Culture: Refeyn supports hybrid working where the role allows and offers flexible start and finish times. We also have a subsidised weekly lunch for onsite employees and a vibrant social calendar which includes holiday parties and midsummer festivals plus an annual team budget for managers to plan team-building activities.
Values-Led: Refeyn is committed to celebrating each other’s differences and creating a dynamic, driven and diverse culture where everyone can flourish. We are proud to have been awarded Committed Status by the Inclusive Employers Standard in 2024 and are working hard to create a safe and empowering environment for all. We firmly believe that there is great strength in building teams with different voices, experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds so that we can continue to share the team workload and enable our customers to succeed, and we welcome applicants from all sections of society to join us on our mission to advance discovery through innovation.
Expected Interview Plan:
- Initial Teams call with the hiring manager (30 minutes).
- Onsite panel interview with presentation and site tour (90 minutes).
- Final call with Chief Product and Marketing Officer (30 minutes).
Refeyn is proud to use anonymised hiring practices. Identifying information such as a candidate's name, email address, date of birth and photo will not be visible to the hiring manager when they review CVs.
Associate R&D Engineer in Oxford employer: Refeyn
Refeyn is an exceptional employer that fosters innovation and collaboration within a dynamic work environment. As an R&D Engineer, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology in mass photometry, with access to professional development and growth opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Located in a vibrant area, Refeyn offers a supportive culture that values creativity and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate R&D Engineer in Oxford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate R&D Engineer in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Associate R&D Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Refeyn a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Refeyn specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Refeyn
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Refeyn, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Refeyn want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
