Development Scientist (Chip Development)

Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Our goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. 

The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for faster, information rich, accessible and affordable molecular analysis. 

The first application is DNA/RNA sequencing, and the technology is in development for the analysis of other types of molecules including proteins. 

The technology is used to understand and characterise the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and whole environments. 

With a thriving culture of ambition and strong innovation goals, Oxford Nanopore is a UK headquartered company with global operations and customers in more than 125 countries.

We are looking for a curious and highly motivated scientist to join the Chip Development Team in a hands-on, cross-disciplinary development role.

The Role

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing ONT’s core chip platforms through hands-on experimental development, detailed characterisation, and data-driven performance improvement. Working primarily in lab environments, you will design and run experiments that deepen our understanding of chip and flow cell behaviour, helping to improve current products and shape future platform development.

This is a highly cross-disciplinary role, suited to someone who enjoys combining practical experimental science with thoughtful analysis, technical problem-solving, and is confident in approaching complex scientific challenges. You will work closely with colleagues across other departments, such as Research, Engineering and Production, using a range of analytical, electrical and imaging techniques to investigate performance, identify improvement opportunities, and translate findings into real product impact.

The remit of the successful candidate will include:

Designing and carrying out experiments to evaluate chip and flow cell performance, including sample preparation, wet assembly, and specialised test set-up where required Using analytical and imaging techniques such as optical and confocal microscopy, SEM, EDX, and related methods to investigate materials, structures, and failure modes Performing electrical characterisation of sensor chips on ONT platforms to understand behaviour, assess performance, and support technology development Analysing experimental data to understand key drivers of chip performance and platform quality Identifying variability, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in experimental methods and manufacturing-related workflows Recording and documenting experimental methods, observations, and results to a high standard, ensuring work is reproducible and insights are accessible to others Communicating findings clearly through reports, presentations, and discussion with cross-functional teams

What we’re looking for

Essential:

A degree in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related discipline An interest in hands-on experimental science and working carefully with complex systems and processes Strong analytical thinking and ability to interpret experimental data Confidence using scripting or programming to answer scientific questions, automate routine tasks, or improve test methods Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with Research, Production, and Engineering teams Curiosity, initiative, adaptability, and a genuine willingness to learn and develop

Desirable:

Relevant post-graduate or industrial experience in one or more of the areas described above Experience with MEMS structures, sensors, interfaces, or materials used in electrochemical and microfluidic systems Experience of scientific programming, analysis scripting, or software development in a scientific or engineering context Experience of working in a cleanroom environment

Applications are encouraged from highly motivated individuals who enjoy solving challenging technical problems, working effectively across disciplines, and contributing in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where they can make a visible impact.

We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. Based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake, all of which make for a wonderful working environment.

If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!