We’re Hiring; Senior Scientist – Polymer and Hydrogel Chemistry
Job Title: Senior Scientist – Polymer and Hydrogel Chemistry
Location: Science Creates St Philips, Bristol, UK
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Date: Closing date for application is Friday 26th January 2024
Salary: £32,000-37,000 dependent on experience - Carbometrics Spine Point B/7
Expected start date: February-March 2024
Company Profile
Carbometrics is a specialist chemistry company based in Bristol, UK. Our core competency is the design, synthesis and derivatisation of highly selective and robust carbohydrate-binding molecules. Our mission is to help people with diabetes to live more normal and longer lives. We are using our proprietary Biomimetic Glucose Binding Molecules (GBM) to develop a new glucose sensor chemistry that will enable market-leading Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM).
Our technology is based on over 20 years of cutting-edge research, pioneered by Professor Anthony Davis’ group at the University of Bristol (see: Davis et al., Nature Chemistry, 11, 52-56, 2018). Carbometrics’ goal is to exploit our GBM technology to realise a highly robust and accurate glucose sensing platform that can be used to create a market-leading Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) solution. The company was set up after the founders sold their first company, Ziylo, to Novo Nordisk, which is using the same platform to develop smart insulins. (Carbometrics on LinkedIn)
Job Description
The successful candidate will work as part of the scientific team to support the research and development of Carbometrics technology. We are looking for someone to join the team who has some experience of working in a synthetic polymer chemistry lab. To thrive in this role, the successful candidate will have specific experience in the preparation and characterisation of polyurethanes, polyacrylates, and hydrogels, hands-on and able to work independently, adaptable to ideas and change, resourceful and self-motivated. There is also opportunity to be involved in fabrication and analysis of sensor prototypes incorporating in-house prepared polymer and hydrogels. The role is based within our highly innovative team in Bristol’s only dedicated scientific incubator: Science Creates (St Philips Incubator). Carbometrics is a young, growing company and will offer the successful candidate an interesting and enjoyable work environment with a highly-motivated team of scientists plus an opportunity to grow and develop scientific skills and experience.
Qualifications
Essential:
BSc in and appropriate field (for example Materials/Polymer Chemistry/Biomedical Engineering).
Desirable:
Further qualifications in an appropriate field (MSc or PhD).
Skills & Experience
Essential:
Excellent numeracy, literacy, and computer skills
Proficiency in key MS Office programs (Excel, Word)
Ability to work independently with good problem-solving skills
Significant experience of working in a practical laboratory in academia and/or industry
Expertise in the design, characterisation and application of polymer materials
Background in mechanical characterization of polymers/hydrogels
Desirable (candidate is not expected to have experience in all these fields):
Experience with advanced coating and film forming techniques (spin-coating, electrospinning etc)
Experience with ATRP/RAFT polymerisation and other methods.
Specific industry experience in a relevant context (i.e. in vitro diagnostics and/or medical devices)
Practical research experience (preferably including organic synthesis) in an industrial or academic laboratory
Ability to execute an experimental work plan; drawing on input/advice and feedback from the team leader and wider team
Experience with routine analysis methods relevant to the field
Familiarity with supramolecular host-guest systems or substrate binding proteins: understanding of interactions between molecules or proteins, extraction and calculation of binding constants from data and how external factors (e.g. temperature, solvent medium) can affect a binding system
Experience of biologics assay development, optimisation and qualification
Experience of advanced state-of-the-art fabrication techniques such as 3D-printing and microfluidic droplet synthesis
Specific experience of implanted medical devices
Computer and/or data science skills (i.e. knowledge of Python or other programming languages)
Experience of analytical chemistry, synthetic chemistry, fluorescence detection and biophysical techniques
Roles and Responsibilities
Core:
General shared facility housekeeping duties as part of the wider scientific team
Lead polymer R&D and analysis under the guidance of the Head of Research
Liaise with external contractors
Additional:
Maintain an excellent safety culture by timely reporting of all safety incidents and learning events
Execute an experimental work plan, drawing on input from the rest of the team
Document and timely reporting of all experimental work
Assist the team to ensure procedures are developed and kept up-to-date
Build strong, positive working relationships with team members
Actively contribute to continuous improvement by developing ideas to improve personnel safety, environmental aspects and process improvement
Eligibility and Expectations
In order to qualify for this position, the candidate will need to be authorised to live and work in the UK
The candidate must have respect for others and a commitment and enthusiasm for high standards and continuous improvement
At Carbometrics we value diversity. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome employees who meet the requirements of the job regardless of gender, ethnic origin, disability, age, religion or sexual orientation
Important information regarding your application
Please note that we will not be confirming receipt of applications. Please include in your application confirmation of your consent for Carbometrics to hold your information and personal details for recruitment purposes. Applications without consent will be discarded.
Regarding an application, the procedure outlined will be followed:
Carbometrics will keep records of your application strictly for recruitment purposes.
Any recruitment documentation will be kept for 12 months following the job position being filled.
The successful candidates’ recruitment documentation will be kept in accordance with Carbometrics’ Internal Personal Data Policy.
If you wish for your information to be removed from our records before that date, please contact our Head of Operations, Yvonne Olver via info@carbometrics.com stating “Personal information removal request” in the title of your email, or by writing to us at Carbometrics Ltd, Science Creates St Philips, St Philips Central, Albert Road, Bristol, BS2 0XJ.
The deadline for application is 5:00 pm GMT, Friday 26th January 2024