We will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. Early applications are encouraged.
Link:
Start Date
: Flexible — ideally as soon as possible, but we're happy to accommodate notice periods. Most likely between
November and February.
Salary:
£55,000 - £70,000
The Role
Semarion is scaling manufacture of our SemaCyte microcarrier platform. We are hiring a Manufacturing Operations Lead to run our microfabrication and production facilities, manage and grow a small team, and put in place systems that deliver reliable, high-quality output.
You will oversee three connected areas:
1. microfabrication on glass wafers, including spin coating, lithography, and thin film deposition with advanced magnetic materials,
2. post fabrication surface functionalisation,
3. sterile assembly into plasticware, followed by packaging and storage, and
4. peripherals production and assembly.
You will work closely with Cell Biology & Applications and the Executive team to meet production timelines, strengthen quality and process control, and scale supply chains. You will also help road map and deliver R&D within manufacturing, including process improvements, materials upgrades, and new product formats that address customer needs.
This is a growth role. You will have support to develop your skills, access training and mentorship, and shape your career as we scale. We welcome applicants who are excited to lead, learn, and build. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via We would love to hear from you.
About Semarion
Semarion is a dynamic spin-out from the University of Cambridge, transforming how adherent cell assays are performed in drug discovery. Our proprietary SemaCyte
microcarrier platform turns adherent cells into barcoded, automation-friendly reagents, enabling scientists to extract 10x more data from existing assay infrastructure. This unique approach is paving the way for the next generation of cell biology automation, helping the life sciences industry generate better drug data, faster.
We combine advanced materials engineering with deep biological expertise to develop and commercialise our technology. We have partnered with leading pharma and biotech companies and have grown an interdisciplinary team of biologists and engineers. Our technology is already being used by major industry players to simplify cell model handling, improve assay consistency, and accelerate decision-making in early drug discovery.
We are currently in an exciting scale-up phase, expanding both our manufacturing and biology capabilities to meet growing demand.
For more information, visit
Your responsibilities in the role
* Lead the day to day running of the microfabrication and production facility, delivering output for internal development and customer orders while meeting quality and delivery goals.
* Build and manage production infrastructure, including scheduling, process control, documentation, and continuous improvement with clear performance metrics.
* Own equipment strategy and uptime across key tools (for example spin coating, lithography, and vacuum deposition), including installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and managing service providers.
* Oversee supply chain, procurement, and logistics, from sourcing wafers, chemicals, and consumables to warehousing, packaging, shipping, and distribution.
* Evaluate and implement systems and tools (for example ERP) to support inventory, resource planning, and digital traceability as operations scale.
* Manage, mentor, and grow a small team of engineers and technicians, fostering a safe, collaborative, inclusive, and high performing environment.
* Partner across departments to align production with product requirements, customer feedback, and R&D initiatives on new processes, materials, and product formats.
* Oversee peripherals production and assembly, from sourcing and incoming QC to in house build, with a roadmap to injection molded components and potential outsourcing.
* Lead facilities planning and expansion efforts, ensuring capacity, layout, and environment, health, and safety considerations are in place to support future growth.
* Report operational performance, risks, and priorities to the executive team with clear updates and action plans.
The technical scope of the role
* Wafer level microfabrication: photoresist processing, optical lithography, and thin film deposition such as PVD or sputtering.
* Surface chemistry and directional coatings on multi material parts.
* Sterile assembly practices for assay ready materials, packaging, and storage.
The qualities we are looking for
* Scientific curiosity and creativity: You are driven to explore new ideas and design thoughtful experiments.
* Strong communication and problem-solving skills: You approach challenges openly and base decisions on data and evidence.
* Integrity and collaboration: You work transparently and uphold our values of exploration, inclusivity, and teamwork.
* Reliability and organisation: You can manage tasks effectively and deliver on objectives.
* Adaptability and willingness to learn: You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic start-up environment.
* Balance of independence and teamwork: You can work autonomously while keeping close communication with colleagues.
* Openness to feedback and self-improvement: You welcome constructive feedback and actively seek personal and professional growth.
The background we are looking for
* Proven experience in microfabrication or advanced manufacturing with direct ownership of lithography and thin film deposition tools.
* Track record of meeting production timelines with process control and equipment uptime management.
* Experience leading and mentoring engineers or technicians.
* Familiarity with QMS and QC in quality driven environments.
* Understanding of ERP concepts for manufacturing, inventory, and batch traceability.
* Strong project management and cross functional collaboration skills.
* Nice to have: experience with surface chemistry, MEMS, complex microfabrication, DFM, life sciences, product design, supplier management.
If you do not meet every point but feel you have the skills and motivation to succeed, please apply. We are committed to building a diverse team and especially welcome applications from women and underrepresented groups.
Working at Semarion
At Semarion, we believe that a supportive, flexible, and collaborative environment is key to both scientific progress and personal growth. Our team is based at the Maxwell Centre on the West Cambridge Site and operates laboratory facilities at the University of Cambridge Ray Dolby Centre.
We offer a range of benefits designed to support your well-being and development, including:
* Hybrid & flexible working
* Share options so you can grow with the company
* Private health insurance
* 30 days holiday
* 8% pension contributions
As part of a growing, venture-backed company, you will work closely with our founders, technical teams, and customers. You will have real ownership of your work, the opportunity to shape how we grow, and support to develop your skills along the way.
We want Semarion to be a place where you can do your best work, grow professionally, and help us build the future of cell-based drug discovery.
For more information, visit