Join to apply for the Technical R&D Lab Associate to CTO role at BlakBear
Overview
We’re a science-led startup spun out of Imperial College London. We’re seeking a sharp, curious, and ambitious hands-on technical associate to work closely with the CTO across a wide range of projects, from designing experiments and testing sensors to prototyping new ideas and solving real-world R&D challenges.
What you’ll do
* Own meaningful projects from day one
* Be part of a supportive team and fast-growing environment
* Fast-track your future in research, hardware, or startups through hands-on learning
* Push the limits of our sensor technology by improving stability, sensitivity, and repeatability
* See your work go live, from lab improvements through to production and customer rollout
* Prototype quickly using in-house tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and network analyzers
* Run real-world experiments on food (including raw meat), testing new technologies and conditions
* Collaborate with partners (labs, suppliers) and help navigate supply chain challenges
* Jump into ad-hoc testing and help onboard new teammates
* Grow toward technical leadership and potentially a senior role within the company
What we’re looking for
* Final-year STEM student or early-career professional (e.g., Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, BioTech, etc.)
* A generalist with a scientific mindset and a drive to figure things out
* Academically strong or have proven experience showing you’ve excelled
* Comfortable in a lab setting and enjoy building, testing, or troubleshooting
* Self-motivated and confident working independently
* Excited about learning new tools, techniques, and ways of working
Nice to have (not required)
* Experience with data analysis, sensors, or prototyping
* Knowledge of research methods, general lab practice, or instrumentation
* Exposure to coding or embedded systems (Python, Arduino, C++, etc.)
* Experience working with food samples or resistance measurements
Personality
* Comfortable in a hands-on, fast-paced environment
* Value constructive feedback as part of getting better
* Proactive and motivated to solve problems
* A team player who supports others and values shared learning
* Thoughtful and emotionally intelligent
Location and progression
This is an on-site role at our Tower Bridge headquarters in London. You’ll have the option to grow into a senior role with a significant shareholding and help shape a product-focused and inclusive culture that scales.
Compensation and benefits
* Competitive compensation package, including stock options
* Top-tier private healthcare
* Healthy snacks available in the office
* Generous time off – 26 days of holiday, plus bank holidays
* Monthly socials and team learning events
About Us
Stage: We’re a science-led startup spun out of Imperial College London, founded by PhD technologists. We have raised over £3m in funding and our core technology is patented. We sell and deploy our products across the supply chain.
Our 4 Core Values: Psychological Safety; Intellectually Curious; Turn challenges into opportunity.
Diversity and Inclusion
We believe the best teams are built on diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the hiring process, let us know—we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Additional
We’re located in London. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing. This description reflects the role and organization as of now and may be subject to change.
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