Optical Microscope Engineer – Cambridge (9‑month PT)

IOMI; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

IOMI, a Cambridge-based biotechnology startup, seeks an experienced Optical Engineer/Scientist to design, build and maintain custom optics for core instruments. Start November 2026 or ASAP; 9-month fixed term, part time with potential to become permanent.

You will own end-to-end instrument development—from concept sketches to robust, field-ready systems used by biology and data science teams. This is an early hire with real ownership and input into future directions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with hands-on optics exposure or higher in physics/optical engineering/related field
• Experience building at least one bespoke optical microscope from components, including design, sourcing, assembly, alignment and performance characterisation
• Practical experience with lasers, laser safety, beam paths and fluorescence optics (excitation/emission filtering, dichroics) and basic electronics/microcontrollers for instrument control

Responsibilities

• Design, build and maintain custom optics systems for research instruments
• Take instruments from concept to assembly, alignment, characterization and troubleshooting
• Train and supervise students and interns working on the instruments

Skills

Optical design

Microscope assembly

Laser safety

Electronics basics

Polarisation optics

Python programming

CAD & 3D printing

High-speed imaging

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics/optical engineering/related field

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

IOMI, a Cambridge-based biotechnology startup, seeks an experienced Optical Engineer/Scientist to design, build and maintain custom optics for core instruments. Start November 2026 or ASAP; 9-month fixed term, part time with potential to become permanent.

You will own end-to-end instrument development—from concept sketches to robust, field-ready systems used by biology and data science teams. This is an early hire with real ownership and input into future directions.