Stealth Startup - Deep Tech
Senior / Principal Scientist - Aptamer Biosensing
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ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a Senior or Principal Scientist to play a foundational role in developing the molecular-recognition layer of a next-generation continuous sensing platform.
This is a highly hands-on scientific role spanning aptamer engineering, surface chemistry and biosensor integration. You will lead the selection, optimisation and validation of surface-bound affinity probes - from molecular design and immobilisation through to kinetic characterisation and integrated sensor testing.
The central challenge is translating high-performing binders into robust sensing interfaces that retain the specificity, reversibility, stability and binding kinetics required for continuous operation in complex biological environments. You will have significant ownership of the scientific strategy, experimental programme and technical decisions shaping the platform.
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.
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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
- PhD 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.
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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
If you’re excited by wearable molecular monitoring and want to build something genuinely new, please apply through the listing or email privately:
All applications and discussions will be handled confidentially. Help build the molecular-recognition layer for a new generation of continuous sensing.
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