At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative aptamer biosensing technologies and optimise molecular sensing processes.
- Company: Stealth deep-tech company revolutionising health monitoring with cutting-edge photonic platforms.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, relocation support, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic lab-based role in London with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact in health tech while working with top-tier talent.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields and strong expertise in biosensors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
ABOUT US
We are a stealth, venture-backed and grant-funded deep-tech company developing a proprietary photonic platform for continuous, multi-marker molecular sensing.
We are backed by leading European VCs, experienced health-tech investors and strategic operators, alongside significant grant funding from the EU.
Today’s biochemical measurements provide isolated snapshots of dynamic biological processes.
Our mission is to make these changes continuously measurable, transforming molecular data into timely, actionable insight.
Our platform brings the stability and multiplexing capabilities of advanced laboratory photonics into compact, scalable devices using miniaturised, low-cost and low-power electronics.
We are initially applying the technology to health-focused applications, with the potential to reveal new insights into physiology, disease progression and treatment response.
As we move from core technology validation towards integrated product development, we are expanding a multidisciplinary team spanning molecular recognition, surface chemistry, biosensing, photonics, microfluidics and engineering.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Aptamer selection and optimisation: Identify, evaluate and optimise nucleic-acid affinity probes for reversible and repeated molecular sensing.
- Binding kinetics: Characterise affinity, specificity, KD, kon and koff, and determine whether probes can track rising and falling analyte concentrations.
- Probe engineering: Develop truncation, mutation, linker and chemical-modification strategies to improve stability, folding, conformational switching and regeneration.
- Modified nucleic acids: Evaluate nuclease-resistant chemistries, including selectively modified oligonucleotides and XNA approaches where appropriate.
- Surface immobilisation: Design and optimise attachment chemistry, linker architecture, probe orientation and surface density while preserving aptamer function.
- Biointerface development: Investigate antifouling, probe retention, nonspecific adsorption and long-term operation in complex physiological environments.
- Assay validation: Build quantitative assays to assess binding, release, selectivity, reversibility and repeated sensing performance.
- Sensor integration: Work with the photonics and engineering teams to translate molecular interactions into reproducible sensor output.
- External partnerships: Define technical requirements for aptamer-development and synthesis partners and critically review their sequences, methods and performance data.
- Development frameworks: Establish clear benchmarking, quality-control and acceptance criteria for affinity probes across the biomarker pipeline.
- At Principal Scientist level, you may also help set the technical roadmap, mentor junior scientists, guide external partners and contribute to intellectual-property strategy.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE
- Ph D or equivalent industry experience in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, biomedical engineering, materials science or a related field.
- Strong hands-on experience with aptamer-based biosensors or nucleic-acid affinity probes.
- Expertise in surface chemistry, biomolecular immobilisation and biointerface engineering.
- Understanding of aptamer folding, target recognition, binding kinetics and conformational switching.
- Experience designing and troubleshooting functional sensing assays.
- Ability to independently plan, execute and interpret complex experimental programmes.
- PARTICULARLY VALUABLE EXPERIENCE
- Continuous or real-time aptamer sensing.
- Structure-switching aptamers.
- Optical, refractive-index or electrochemical biosensors.
- Nuclease-resistant aptamers, XNAs, LNA, FANA or other modified nucleic acids.
- SELEX, post-SELEX optimisation or computational aptamer design.
- Nanoparticle-enabled sensing or signal amplification.
- Antifouling surfaces and operation in complex biological matrices.
- Wearable, implantable or minimally invasive biosensors.
WHY WORK FOR US?
Hands-on ownership : Your work will directly shape which aptamers progress onto the platform and how well our sensors perform.
Deep-tech, real-world impact : Work on novel continuous biosensing technology with the potential to change how health is monitored.
Exceptional people : Collaborate with top-tier talent from Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College, alongside leaders across sensing, chemistry and product.
High-pace, high-support culture : An open structure, fast iteration and genuine room to experiment, supported by regular feedback and collaboration.
Competitive compensation and meaningful equity : Receive a competitive salary and early-stage share options, giving you a real stake in what you are building.
- LOCATION
- London, UK
This is a laboratory-based position and will be primarily in person.
Relocation support and UK visa sponsorship are available for exceptional candidates.
APPLY
All applications and discussions will be handled confidentially. Help build the molecular-recognition layer for a new generation of continuous sensing.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior / Principal Scientist - Aptamer Biosensing employer: Stealth Startup - Deep Tech
Join a pioneering deep-tech company in London, where your contributions as a Senior/Principal Scientist will directly influence the development of cutting-edge biosensing technology. Enjoy a collaborative and high-paced work culture that fosters innovation and experimentation, alongside competitive compensation and equity options that ensure you have a stake in our transformative mission. With opportunities for hands-on ownership and mentorship from top-tier talent, this role offers a unique chance to make a real-world impact in health monitoring.
Contact Details:
Stealth Startup - Deep Tech Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior / Principal Scientist - Aptamer Biosensing
✨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 Stealth Startup - Deep Tech. 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 Stealth Startup - Deep Tech!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior / Principal Scientist - Aptamer Biosensing
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 Stealth Startup - Deep Tech 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 Stealth Startup - Deep Tech.
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 Stealth Startup - Deep Tech 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 Stealth Startup - Deep Tech
✨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 Stealth Startup - Deep Tech. 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 Stealth Startup - Deep Tech'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 Stealth Startup - Deep Tech. This shows your passion for the industry!
