We are seeking a Senior Biosensing Scientist to play a foundational role in building the biorecognition layer of our sensing platform. This is not a pure in-house discovery role; instead, you will focus on defining, guiding, and validating externally developed affinity reagents (such as aptamers and synthetic probes) to ensure they integrate with our proprietary continuous sensing hardware.
About us (Stealth mode):
We’re a stealth, VC-backed deep-tech startup building a next-generation molecular sensing platform, leveraging proprietary light-based sensing in a wearable form factor.
Our mission is to turn the body’s molecular signals into a continuous source of truth - unlocking real-time biochemical clarity for areas like fertility, inflammation, metabolic health, and recovery. Today’s wearables track proxies (heart rate, sleep, movement), but the biology that drives health still lives in episodic, invasive lab tests. We’re closing that gap.
The role:
You will own the scientific interface between CHUNE’s hardware platform and our external affinity reagent partners. This means translating our unique continuous-sensing product requirements into precise technical specifications and guiding CROs through the development process.
Once candidate reagents are delivered, you will lead internal validation, testing them in relevant biological matrices and on our solid-state sensor architectures to determine whether they meet platform performance requirements. You’ll work closely with our hardware, fluidics, and systems engineering teams to ensure reagent performance is evaluated within the real constraints of the device, not just in a vendor’s benchtop assay
You will own:
* Target Specifications: Defining target product requirements for affinity reagents, including physiological concentration ranges, matrix contexts, selectivity profiles, and binding kinetics (Kd, kon, koff).
* Vendor Management: Acting as the primary scientific lead with external aptamer/optimer vendors. You will guide them through reagent design, screening requirements, off-target panels, and success criteria.
* Data Review & Downselection: Critically evaluating vendor outputs (sequence packages, binding data, selectivity reports) and deciding which candidates progress to in-house testing.
* Internal Assay Validation: Developing and executing assays to test whether externally developed binders are fit for our specific use cases (e.g., performance in Interstitial Fluid, reproducibility, and reversibility for continuous monitoring).
* Hardware Integration: Collaborating with engineering teams to evaluate reagent compatibility with specific surface immobilisation techniques and our proprietary continuous readout systems.
* Strategic Frameworks: Building an internal framework for reagent benchmarking, quality control, and acceptance criteria across our biomarker pipeline.
You’ll collaborate closely with leaders across photonics, microfluidics, clinical, and product and play a key role in bringing a genuinely cutting-edge wearable technology from first prototypes to pilot-ready systems.
The person:
Ideal requirements:
* PhD (or MSc + 2+ years’ experience) in biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field
* Hands-on experience working with aptamers, optimers, or other synthetic affinity probes.
* Deep understanding of binding performance metrics (affinity, specificity, sensitivity) and experience defining Kd, kon, and koff requirements for real-world assays.
* Experience working with external partners, CROs, or vendors, with the ability to translate product needs into clear scientific briefs.
* Proven track record of designing assays to validate binder performance in complex biological matrices (serum, plasma, ISF, etc.).
* Strong understanding of biomarker biology, including physiological concentration ranges, relevant interferents, and matrix effects
* Strong analytical skills to critically challenge vendor data and troubleshoot underperforming reagents.
Nice to have (strong signals, not required)
* Development of custom aptamers or nucleic-acid–based probes (e.g., optimisation, truncations/modifications, or SELEX exposure).
* Experience with SPR, BLI, QCM, or related kinetics / interaction analysis tools
* Familiarity with continuous or real-time biosensing platforms.
* Experience working with microfluidic, wearable, or lab-on-chip systems.
* Experience validating biomarkers in interstitial fluid (ISF).
* Experience handling skin tissue samples.
Why work for us?
* Foundational ownership: You’ll be a core contributor to the biorecognition layer of the platform, directly shaping sensor performance, biomarker selection, and long-term reliability. Your work will define what we can measure and how well we can measure it.
* Deep-tech, real-world impact: Work on genuinely novel continuous biosensing technology with the potential to transform how health is monitored - moving biochemical insight from occasional lab tests to continuous, real-time understanding.
* Work with exceptional people: collaborate with top-tier talent from Cambridge and Imperial College and leaders across sensing, chemistry, and product in a highly ambitious environment.
* High-pace, high-support culture: a flat structure, fast iteration, and genuine room to experiment - with regular check-ins and feedback to support your growth and development.
* Competitive compensation & meaningful equity: we offer competitive salary and early-stage share options, so you’ll own a real stake in what you’re building
Apply / get in touch
If you’re excited by wearable molecular monitoring and want to build something genuinely new, please apply here or email privately to