Senior Biomaterials Scientist

Sava; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sava in London is seeking a Senior Scientist to join our Biomaterials team. The role is bench-based, focusing on sample preparation for biocompatibility, sterilisation, packaging and validation testing for regulatory submissions.

You will perform hands-on lab work, record results with traceability, and support ISO/regulatory activities across R&D, Process and Quality. A Masters or PhD in a relevant science is preferred.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience in a regulated or R&D setting.
• Experience with sample preparation, material characterization, and documentation.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards (ISO 10993, ISO 11137, ISO 11607) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and coordinate test articles and samples for biocompatibility studies and validation testing.
• Execute bench-based laboratory work across materials and QC activities.
• Support sterilisation validation activities in accordance with ISO standards.
• Assist with qualification of sterile barrier systems and packaging configurations.
• Support ageing studies and shelf-life testing following relevant standards.
• Assist with transportation simulations and bioburden monitoring; maintain traceable records.
• Contribute to validation protocols, test reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Help compile technical files and ensure study records are complete and traceable.
• Contribute to risk management activities related to sterilisation and packaging.

Skills

Lab skills

Biomaterials

Regulatory know-how

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

PhD in a related field

Job description

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.

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 are looking for a Senior Scientist to join our Biomaterials team at an exciting stage of device development. The role is primarily bench-based, with a focus on building and preparing samples for biocompatibility, sterilisation, packaging and other validation testing.

You will work closely with the team to execute hands-on laboratory and validation work that feeds directly into our regulatory submissions. If you enjoy detailed, methodical lab work and want to understand how it connects to bringing a medical device to market, this role could be a strong fit.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and coordinate test articles and samples for biocompatibility studies, leachables analysis, and other analytical testing, working hands-on at the bench to ensure build quality, traceability, and documentation standards are maintained throughout
• Execute laboratory work as a core part of the role, contributing across novel materials and routine QC activities; this spans sample preparation, processing, material characterisation, and support for both regulatory validation and R&D activities
• Support sterilisation validation activities in accordance with ISO 11137 or equivalent standards, including test article preparation, study execution, auditing and data recording
• Assist with the qualification of sterile barrier systems and packaging configurations in line with ISO 11607, supporting compatibility testing and documentation
• Support accelerated ageing and real-time shelf life studies following ASTM F1980 and relevant guidance, assisting with sample preparation, condition monitoring, and data recording
• Assist with transportation simulation studies in accordance with ASTM D4169 / ISTA standards, contributing to sample preparation and test execution
• Support sterility testing and bioburden monitoring activities, including coordinating sample dispatch to accredited external laboratories and maintaining accurate records
• Contribute to the authoring and review of validation protocols, test reports, and associated technical documentation
• Support technical file compilation by ensuring study records, raw data, and reports are complete, traceable, and meet applicable regulatory requirements
• Contribute to risk management activities (ISO 14971) as they relate to sterilisation, packaging, shelf life, biocompatibility and device function
• Work closely with R&D, Process, and Manufacturing teams to support the integration of validation activities into the product development timeline and design history file
• Support GLP and GMP implementation across various company sites

What We’re Looking For

• A hands-on approach as this role is primarily laboratory-based and requires genuine comfort at the bench; you will be expected to execute practical work independently and rigorously from an early stage
• Collaborative approach as the role sits within a small biomaterials team alongside colleagues focused on new material development and routine QC; the expectation is that you contribute across all three areas and work closely with the Team Lead and wider R&D, Process, and Quality functions
• Practical laboratory competence and experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting experiments in a regulated or research environment; familiarity with sample preparation, material characterisation techniques, and maintaining accurate laboratory records
• Some familiarity with medical device validation or regulatory testing, whether through direct industry experience, academic research, or CRO work; awareness of ISO 10993, ISO 11137, or ISO 11607 is an advantage but full expertise is not required
• Ability to generate, record, and report experimental data to a high standard, with an understanding of what traceability and documentation mean in a regulated product development context
• The work you produce will form part of regulatory submissions and a design history file, and the quality of records matters and attention to detail and rigour makes a difference
• The ability to work effectively within a team, ask questions, flag issues early, and contribute to written reports and documentation
• A Masters or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline such as materials science, chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related field

Bonus Points For

• Post-graduate industry experience, especially in a fast-paced startup environment
• Experience specifically with biosensing, wearable, or skin-contacting medical devices
• Familiarity with electrochemical device components or biosensor materials
• Any prior exposure to regulatory requirements for a medical device, that may include ISO 10993, ISO 11137, ISO 11607, ISO 14971, ISO 16775, ASTM standards, EU MDR, 510(k)

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. You can directly shape how a novel medical device reaches people.