(Senior) Optical Engineer
SPARTA Biodiscovery is a service and instruments business, centred around the SPARTA® – Single Particle Automated Raman Trapping Analysis – technology, with a mission to enable nanoformulations for the next generation of therapeutics. SPARTA® is set to transform the analytical space for nanoformulation R&D and quality control for ultimate patient benefit through quicker access to safer technologies for disease treatments and vaccinations.
SPARTA Biodiscovery is an Imperial College spin-out company based at Scale Space in White City, London, a vibrant and growing life science cluster with a modern office and brand-new laboratory space. SPARTA Biodiscovery invites you to become part of a vibrant and professional workplace with the chance of bringing ideas to life and science to market for the benefit of both society and human welfare. More information can be found here.
Our mission
SPARTA Biodiscovery was established with the mission of providing a cutting-edge solution for high-throughput single-particle characterisation of novel nanoformulations to expedite their development and optimisation, as well as manufacturing and quality control. Our unique patented SPARTA® platform measures biomolecular signatures for single particles in nanoformulations to provide information on their composition, therapeutic loading and functionalisation with minimal sample preparation and particle modification.
We are passionate about solving challenges in global health through enabling rapid development of novel therapeutic nanoformulations for previously undruggable targets. We are building a team of people who share our passion for solving this problem through close collaboration and innovative thinking. We seek individuals who are driven to rapidly translate science into products and services, capable of transforming the nanoformulation analytical space, in a creative, supportive, and collaborative environment.
The role
We are seeking a highly motivated and driven Optical Engineer / Senior Optical Engineer to join our team. In this role, under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, your key responsibilities will be around the technical building and development of the SPARTA® instruments. You will work in close collaboration with our manufacturing partners and suppliers, to help manage component procurement timelines, as well as the internal service and software engineering team, to drive product development. Duties will include final stage assembly and alignment of the laser and optical components in the SPARTA® instruments, while adhering to all relevant safety and regulatory requirements. In addition, you will be actively involved in key decision making in our product development pipeline around instrument development add-ons and consumables for the SPARTA® instrument. The role may also include external visits to clients to evaluate and validate system performance in the field together with the team. If you are a self-starter with a passion for novel analytical techniques and desire to make a change in life science and technology, we would love to speak to you!
Key selection criteria:
- BSc and advanced degree (MSc, PhD) in Physics, Materials science, Electronic engineering, bioengineering or similar
- Extensive hands-on experience in working with laser set-ups including optical alignment methods and laser characterisation methods
- Experience with spectroscopy-based techniques and materials characterisation
- Project management skills
- Experience in preparation, review and maintenance of SOPs and risk assessments
- Excellent focus and attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative multi-disciplinary environment
- Excellent notetaking and record keeping skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Passion for solving technical problems
Additional desirable skills
- Relevant startup or industry experience
- Demonstrated ability for innovation and original research
- Experience in analytical instrument design and development
- Knowledge of and experience with regulatory requirements for instruments such as UKCA, CE and UL marking
- Laser safety implementation and enforcement experience (LSO training/
certification) - Experience with nanoparticle/nanomaterial characterization
- Experience with Raman spectroscopy from a technical and functional perspective
- Experience with optical trapping methods
- Knowledge of spectroscopic data analysis techniques such signal processing, statistical analysis, and modelling
- Programming knowledge (read/write) of MATLAB and Python
- Experience with quality management systems for product development
Benefits at SPARTA Biodiscovery include:
- Good base salary package commensurate with level of experience
- Evolving benefits package as the company grows
- Becoming part of a diverse dedicated team focused on growing a great company based on innovative technologies that can have direct real-world impact
- Access to the exciting start-up community of innovators and entrepreneurs in London’s White City Innovation District and Scale Space
Further information
Helen Reynolds, Founder of Vita Research Associates, is our dedicated independent Talent Acquisition Consultant and all initial discussions and correspondence remain completely confidential until you decide to progress to the next stage of the process and give Helen your permission to share your details with SPARTA Biodiscovery.
For further information or if you have any queries or concerns about the role or the process, please address them to Helen directly on 07780 968489 or helen@vitaresearch.co.uk
SPARTA Biodiscovery is an equal-opportunity employer promoting diversity and inclusion in the workspace. We know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or marital status. Legal authorization to work in the United Kingdom is required. In compliance with UK law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United Kingdom and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.