At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our R&D team to develop groundbreaking antimicrobial technologies that save lives.
- Company: Zonova, a mission-driven startup focused on eliminating hospital-acquired infections.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 28 days holiday, and accelerated professional development.
- Other info: Be part of an innovative team recognised for excellence in the industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: PhD or EngD in relevant fields, with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Salary: £50,000
Location: Ealing, London
Reports To: R&D Manager
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Start Date: July 2026 (can be flexible for the right candidate)
Benefits:
- Employee share option plan
- Flexible working hours
- 28 days holiday, excluding bank holidays
- Free on-site parking
- Accelerated professional development within a collaborative R&D environment, with mentorship and clear scope to grow into additional responsibilities over time
Company Overview:
Zonova is on a mission to eliminate hospital-acquired infections - one of the most serious and costly threats in modern healthcare. Every day, patients are put at risk by the very devices designed to help them: catheters, IV lines, and other devices provide an ideal environment for dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria to take hold, leading to life threatening conditions like sepsis and pneumonia. Zonova has developed a novel antimicrobial additive technology that embeds directly into medical devices, eliminating bacteria on contact. Our strategy is focused on vascular access devices first, before expanding into adjacent areas including urology, women's health, and orthopaedics. Our mission is to make infection prevention standard practice through a scalable, affordable, integrated solution that protects patients from the moment a device is inserted.
Job Purpose:
You will be an integral, hands-on member of Zonova's R&D team, working closely alongside the R&D Manager to drive the development and testing of our antimicrobial technologies. We're looking for someone who rolls up their sleeves, brings a positive energy, and gets things done - equally comfortable at the bench and contributing ideas in a team setting.
Key Responsibilities:
- Product Development & Testing: Lead the formulation, processing, and optimisation of Zonova's polymer and material-based products. Carry out antimicrobial efficacy testing on samples you produce (full training provided).
- Project & Pilots Execution: Support the delivery of project timelines and contribute to pilot studies with external partners. Ensure protocols are followed, outcomes are well documented, and any issues are flagged proactively.
- Team Collaboration & Support: Work closely with the wider R&D team (3-4 members) in a supportive, collaborative way - sharing knowledge, helping troubleshoot challenges, and contributing positively to team culture. There is scope for this role to grow into greater team responsibilities over time.
- External Partnerships: Support working with external test houses as directed by the R&D Manager, maintaining confidentiality and alignment with Zonova's objectives.
- Data & Reporting: Produce clear summary reports of scientific data to support patent filings, and create presentations for conferences and stakeholders.
- Lab Management: Contribute to lab operations, including risk assessments, safety compliance, and resource management. Maintain accurate and thorough records of your own research and development activities.
- Scientific Communication: Represent Zonova at scientific conferences (typically 1 teamwide conference per year).
What We're Looking For:
- Positive, Can-Do Attitude: You approach challenges with a glass-half-full mindset, stay solution-focused under pressure, and bring an energy that lifts the people around you. You don't shy away from problems - you get stuck in.
- Adaptability: Able to quickly pivot and find solutions in a dynamic, fast-changing environment. Comfortable with ambiguity and energised by variety.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Resourceful and innovative, especially when working with limited resources. You see constraints as a prompt to think differently.
- Coachable & Open to Feedback: You actively seek feedback, take it on board without defensiveness, and adapt your approach to improve. You see learning as ongoing, not optional.
- Self-Motivated: You're proactive, take ownership, and don't wait to be told what to do next. When something needs doing, you just do it.
- Team Player: Willing to take on any task, connect with colleagues, and work collaboratively under pressure. You support those around you as naturally as you deliver your own work.
- Excitement for a Startup Environment: Passionate about growing with a small, mission-driven company. You embrace the messiness of a startup and contribute to building something from the ground up. You support the vision, mission, and values of Zonova.
- Respectful & Collaborative: Kind and considerate, fostering an inclusive and positive team culture. A strong communicator who is flexible and keeps people informed.
Requirements:
- Essential: Either PhD or EngD in a relevant discipline (chemistry, polymer science, materials science, or similar) and/or relevant industry experience.
- A track record of getting things done: managing your own projects, meeting timelines, and working independently.
- Willingness to learn and carry out antimicrobial testing on samples you produce (full training and support provided).
- Positive, solution-focused attitude - you are the kind of person who finds a way, not a reason why not.
Nice to Have:
- Hands-on industry experience in chemistry and polymer science, specifically involving the manipulation and with bulk and surface modification of polymers.
- Experience in a startup or fast-paced R&D environment.
- Prior experience working with and handling live microorganisms.
- Some experience supporting or mentoring others in a R&D team setting.
How to Apply - Please Read Carefully:
Please send both your CV and a short video (3 minutes max) to .
What to Cover in Your Video:
- What excites you about this opportunity at Zonova?
- What's one project or experience you're proud of - and why?
- Tell us about a time something went wrong in your work. What happened, and what did you do?
- What kind of team culture do you thrive in?
- What are you hoping to learn, grow, or create in this role?
Tips:
- We're not looking for polished or rehearsed - just you, speaking honestly.
- No fancy editing needed - a simple recording from your phone or laptop is perfect.
- Feel free to bring in personal anecdotes, metaphors, or visuals if that's your style.
Zonova is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
R&D Senior Scientist in London employer: Zonova
Zonova is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative R&D environment in Ealing, London, where innovation thrives. With flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to grow their careers while contributing to a mission that directly impacts patient safety. The company's recognition in the industry and its supportive culture make it an exciting place for those looking to make a meaningful difference in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Senior Scientist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with Zonova's team on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion in that video application! Talk about why you’re excited about Zonova’s mission to tackle hospital-acquired infections. Let your enthusiasm shine through – it’s contagious!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of antimicrobial technologies and polymer science. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with Zonova’s goals and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Senior Scientist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the R&D Senior Scientist role. Highlight relevant experience in chemistry, polymer science, or medical device development. Show us how your skills align with our mission at Zonova – we love seeing candidates who understand our goals!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points where possible and avoid jargon that might confuse us. We want to get to know you without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Submit Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Zonova. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zonova
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of chemistry, polymer science, and medical device development. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with Zonova's mission to eliminate hospital-acquired infections. Familiarise yourself with their antimicrobial additive technology and think about how you can contribute to its development.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Zonova values creative problem-solving, so come prepared with examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles. Think about times when you had to pivot quickly or innovate under pressure. This will demonstrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, which are key traits for this role.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your collaborative spirit during the interview. Share experiences where you worked closely with others to achieve a common goal. Emphasise your willingness to support colleagues and contribute positively to team culture, as this is crucial in a small, dynamic environment like Zonova.
✨Get Personal in Your Video
When creating your video application, let your personality shine through! Talk about what excites you about the role and share a project you're proud of. Don't shy away from discussing challenges you've faced; it shows resilience. Authenticity is key, so just be yourself!
