Research Associate in Bioelectronic Engineering

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution based in Manchester is seeking an innovative Electrical Engineer to co-develop a point-of-care blood test device within a pioneering start-up environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful health solutions, working closely with experienced professionals while enjoying a supportive workplace. Candidates should have strong problem-solving skills and a background in electrical engineering.

Benefits

Market leading pension scheme

Employee health and wellbeing services

Exceptional starting annual leave

Paid closure over Christmas

Local and national retail discounts

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience as an electrical engineer or in relevant hardware engineering roles.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Eagerness to contribute to product development and company growth.

Responsibilities

• Co-develop the point-of-care device and cartridges.
• Collaborate closely with the founding team.
• Shape the product and company culture.

Skills

Creativity

Problem-solving

Electrical engineering

Tools

PCB manufacturing

Testing equipment

Job description

Background

This role is central to developing a point-of-care blood test device for pre-hospital diagnostics. Based in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester, you will work with the spin-out team Imprinted Diagnostics (www.imprinteddiagnostics.com).

Our goal is to design and build a prototype device and disposable cartridge system that detects changes in thermal resistance when blood biomarkers bind to our patented chemical sensing technology.

Success will be measured by:

• Analytical accuracy and limit of detection
• Benchmarking against the target product profile
• Usability testing with laboratory and clinical staff

By the end of this nine-month project, we aim to deliver an alpha prototype ready for clinical and user validation.

Overall Purpose of the Job

We are seeking a hands-on, innovative Electrical Engineer (all-round hardware engineer) to co-develop our point-of-care device and cartridges.

This is a unique opportunity to join at the pre-spin-out stage, working directly with the founding team across engineering, science and medicine.

As one of the earliest hires, you will not only contribute to the technical development but also help shape the product, company direction and culture. We are looking for someone who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment, is adaptable across disciplines and is eager to grow with the company.

Research & Start-up Environment

This nine-month fixed-term position offers a rare chance to combine creativity and problem-solving with real-world impact.

You will

• Work closely with Dr Alexander Stokes (CEO), an engineer and founder of the community
• Help develop a product designed to save lives
• Gain valuable commercial and clinical experience as the company grows
• Have the opportunity to take on a leadership role within Imprinted Diagnostics

You will also be part of the expanding multidisciplinary Bioinspired Materials Research Group (6 PhD students, 3 PDRAs and 1 MSc student), led by Prof Marloes Peeters, who is one of the co-founders of Imprinted Diagnostics.

Facilities

• A dedicated makerspace with a wide range of tools and machines for both project and personal use
• PCB manufacturing capabilities in-house
• A well-equipped workshop
• A state-of-the-art laboratory with chemical, electrical and mechanical testing equipment
• A team of experienced technical staff to support projects

What you will get in return

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to [e-mail].

Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift

Enquiries

Name: Dr Alexander Stokes

Email: [e-mail]

or

Prof Marloes Peeters

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:

Email: [e-mail]

Technical support:

Email: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.