Senior Scientist in London

About Sava

All the health information we need is within us. Just below the skin. SAVA is redefining the way people interact with their health by developing the most advanced biosensing technology science has to offer, capable of accessing bodily information in a painless, real-time and affordable way.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Scientist to join our New Analyte Team within the Biosensing and In Vivo Performance Department. This role will be directly reporting into the New Analyte Team Lead. This role is critical to future sensor development, focusing on the development of novel enzymatic and non-enzymatic based sensing technologies which will help shape and define the future of this company. This is a highly practical hands-on role which will require a meticulous and tenacious approach to work. We’re looking for someone willing to own end to end sensor development cycles from upstream process development to downstream performance testing and characterisation.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated excellence in process science, chemistry, or biotechnology; solid understanding of designing and executing experiments to capture quantitative data, with the ability to translate findings into actionable product and performance improvements. A track record of taking initiative—identifying problems, proposing solutions, and seeing them through to completion without waiting to be directed. The determination and curiosity to push through setbacks and iterate toward breakthroughs.

What You'll Do

• Work within the New Analyte Team to develop and characterise novel sensing blend formulations using defined Process tools and QC instrumentation.
• Collaborate with the Synthesis, Process, and Biomaterials teams to learn, optimise and implement material and process changes for improved sensor performance.
• Build upon and develop existing protocols to further the understanding of various aspects of materials and processes used in sensor manufacturing and performance characterisation.
• Develop explorative trials, including DoE trials, that investigate material and process parameters to optimise sensor performance.
• Carry out performance testing of new sensing formulations.
• Generate, analyse and report data to the team and wider company, verbally and in writing.
• Research and implement novel test methods and experimental procedures support characterisation.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate projects, manage deadlines and requirements in parallel to advancing device development.
• Support internal and external collaborations with vendors and research groups.

What We're Looking For

• BSc degree or above, and at least 2-4 years lab experience in a relevant discipline (e.g., chemistry, process science, materials science).
• Experience in a lab/industry working with process development and characterisation.
• Hands-on experience in a biotechnology, process chemistry or synthetic chemistry laboratory setting, either through university research projects, industry positions, and/or internships.
• A multidisciplinary background is highly advantageous. The candidate will be expected to work cross-functionally with teams including Biosensing, Synthetic Chemistry, Manufacturing, Data and Engineering, which may include: process characterisation, new material investigation, medical device manufacture, sterilisation, in vitro testing, enzyme stability and activity, microscopy (Keyence experience), operation of precision dispensing systems.

Bonus Points For

• Experience working in a start-up environment.
• Working knowledge of electrochemical testing using Palmsense hardware/software.
• Working knowledge of Precision Dispensing equipment.

Why Sava?

This is a high-ownership, high-responsibility role in a company that’s building something complex, meaningful, and fast. The expectations are high, the learning curve is steep, and the work is often messy - but the impact is real. We don’t have room for egos or passengers. What we do have is a team of thoughtful, driven, and mission-aligned people who are committed to building something better—and doing it with urgency and integrity.