Senior Research Engineer

iotaSciences; Yarnton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotechnology company in Yarnton is seeking a Senior Research Engineer to develop next-generation fluid handling and automated microscopy robots. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, particularly in computer vision and Python. Responsibilities include integrating computer vision models, developing robotic programs, and conducting empirical studies. Collaboration across teams is essential. This role allows for broad involvement in various company projects, providing excellent growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related field. Advanced degrees preferred.
• Strong experience in computer vision, especially with frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow.
• Proficiency in Python programming.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement computer vision models for image recognition in cell biology.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate computer vision models into microscopy applications.
• Design and run experiments to gather empirical data and assess robotic performance.

Skills

Computer vision expertise (PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV)

Proficiency in Python

Strong communication skills

Technical leadership

Education

Degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or related field

Tools

Version control (Git)

Job description

iotaSciences, a University of Oxford spin‑out, is an innovative and fast‑growing biotechnology company that emerged from the University’s engineering and biology departments. We offer unique solutions to cell line development. These solutions accelerate and advance biomedicine across a wide range of applications including gene editing, disease modelling and drug discovery; with current customers from universities, hospitals and industry. Our employees are motivated to deliver the most innovative next generation technologies in biomedicine that will ultimately translate ideas to clinics faster.

Senior Research Engineer

About the role

As a Research Engineer at iotaSciences, you'll be at the forefront of developing the next generation of fluid handling and automated microscopy robots. This is a hands‑on, NPI‑focused role where your primary responsibility will be designing and implementing computer vision models for image recognition in cell biology. You will also:

• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate computer vision models into a Windows‑based microscopy application.
• Develop programs for a microfluidic robot, programming robotic motions.
• Design and run experiments to gather empirical data, perform data analysis and assess robotic performance.

We're looking for a highly motivated and independent individual with a strong background in engineering or a similar technical field. You should have previous experience in a research or product development environment, whether academic or industrial. You should be able to comfortable being the technical authority on NPI projects and have experience taking a project from concept to release.

This role requires a candidate who can work across multiple disciplines, collaborating closely with software, biology, and hardware teams. The primary goal is to develop intelligent systems that accelerate biomedicine by testing concepts and finding innovative solutions to complex problems. As a member of a small company, your day‑to‑day activities will be highly varied, and you'll be expected to participate in wider company projects as needed. This provides a unique opportunity to gain experience across various departments and expand your skill set.

Requirements (essential)

• Degree in engineering, physics, computer science, or a related field. Advanced degrees preferred.
• Strong experience in computer vision (PyTorch, TensorFlow, OpenCV).
• Proficiency in Python
• Experience using version control (e.g. Git).
• Ability to design and conduct experiments.
• Strong communication skills.
• Willingness to participate in wider company projects when needed.
• Experience of technical leadership on projects.

Desirable experience (not all are needed)

• Familiarity with Windows app development in C# / VB.NET.
• Exposure to multi axis motion control programming (e.g. g-code).
• Foundation in fluid dynamics.
• C++ firmware experience.
• Mentoring for more junior R&D engineers.