Biomaterials Scientist I/II

Story Terrace Inc.; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A health technology company in London seeks a motivated Biomaterials Scientist to develop and characterise materials for biosensor technology. This hands-on, lab-based role involves collaboration with engineering teams and requires a solid understanding of material properties affecting biosensor performance. Ideal candidates have at least 3 years of lab experience and a degree in a relevant field.

Benefits

High ownership opportunities

Dynamic startup environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in lab-based work.
• Strong understanding of material properties and functionality.
• Experience in materials science or biotechnology.

Responsibilities

• Develop and characterise materials for biosensor platforms.
• Collaborate to optimise sensor performance and safety.
• Conduct testing for material biocompatibility.

Skills

Hands-on lab experience

Material properties understanding

Excellent communication skills

Experimental design

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

Analytical techniques

Microscopy

Job description

Job Description

About Sava

All the health information we need is within us. Just below the skin. SAVA is redefining the way people interact with their health by developing the most advanced biosensing technology science has to offer, capable of accessing bodily information in a painless, real-time and affordable way.

The Role

We’re looking for a motivated Biomaterials Scientist who’s ready to dig deep into the materials that directly influence the performance, reliability, and safety of our biosensor technology. Your core focus will be on materials characterisation - understanding how what we build holds up under pressure, under time, and in the real world. You’ll also support biocompatibility testing, bioassays, and QC method development, working closely with other scientists and engineers to translate findings into tangible improvements.

This is a hands-on, lab-based role at the intersection of material science, biology, and device performance - ideal for someone who’s not afraid to delve into experiments, and ask the questions which challenge us at every turn. We’re looking for someone who knows that the right material properties, surface chemistry, polymer formulation, or test method can mean the difference between a good device and a great one.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and characterise the materials being utilised in all aspects of a minimally invasive biosensor platform.
• Collaborate with the Chemistry, Process, and Manufacturing teams to implement material changes for optimisation of sensor performance, longevity and safety.
• Assist in developing new protocols to further the understanding of various aspects of sensor composition and performance.
• Utilise analytical techniques to elucidate how material characteristics impact sensor manufacturing and device function.
• Support testing to determine the biocompatibility of novel candidate materials.
• Generate, analyse and report data to the team and wider company, verbally and in writing.
• Maintain detailed, up to date records of experiments and data analysis.
• Research and source new equipment and resources to support critical research areas.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate projects, managing deadlines and requirements in parallel to advance device development.
  

What We’re Looking For

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline plus ~3 years experience in lab-based work, executing hands on experiments and project planning.
• A solid understanding of material properties and their impact on the overall functionality of biosensors.
• Demonstrated lab experience in materials science, bioengineering or biotechnology
• A relentless drive to raise the bar and redefine boundaries.
• Complete confidence being hands on in the lab, demonstrating independence and ownership of work.
• Adaptability - you aren’t phased by rapidly learning new skills and techniques in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Materials characterisation and/or biomaterials experience, including but not limited to: mechanical characterisation, rheology, material hydration studies, hydrogel processing and characterisation, analyte diffusivity, cell or tissue culture, cell/material interfacing, bioactive materials, enzyme stability and activity, protein conjugation and characterisation, colorimetric or fluorescence-based assays, microscopy, SEM/EDX.
• Experimental design - organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Presentation and communication of data to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  

Bonus Points For

• A multidisciplinary background - this would be highly advantageous, given the requirements of this role. You will be expected to work across departments, interacting with scientists, engineers, operations specialists, external suppliers and regulatory bodies.
• Masters degree, ideally with further lab experience post-graduation in a relevant discipline (e.g., materials science, bioengineering, tissue engineering), working with materials development and characterisation.
  

Why Sava?

This is a high-ownership, high-responsibility role in a company that’s building something complex, meaningful, and fast. The expectations are high, the learning curve is steep, and the work is often messy - but the impact is real.

We don’t have room for egos or passengers. What we do have is a team of thoughtful, driven, and mission-aligned people who are committed to building something better—and doing it with urgency and integrity.