Senior Scientist – Polymer and Hydrogel Chemistry Full Time

Bristol, Somerset
Carbometrics
Location: St Philips, Bristol, UK Contract Type: PermanentHours: Full TimeSalary: £32,000-37,000 dependent on experience – Carbometrics Spine Point B/7Closing date:Friday 26th January 2024About UsCarbometrics is a specialist chemistry company based in Bristol, UK. Our core competency is the design, synthesis, and derivatisation of highly selective and robust carbohydrate-binding molecules. Our mission is to help people with diabetes to live more normal and longer lives. We are using our proprietary Biomimetic Glucose Binding Molecules (GBM) to develop a new glucose sensor chemistry that will enable market-leading Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM).Our technology is based on over 20 years of cutting-edge research, pioneered by Professor Anthony Davis’ group at the University of Bristol (see: Davis et al., Nature Chemistry, 11, 52-56, 2018). Carbometrics’ goal is to exploit our GBM technology to realise a highly robust and accurate glucose sensing platform that can be used to create a market-leading Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) solution. The company was set up after the founders sold their first company, Ziylo, to Novo Nordisk, which is using the same platform to develop smart insulins. About the roleThe successful candidate will work as part of the scientific team to support the research and development of Carbometrics technology. We are looking for someone to join the team who has some experience of working in a synthetic polymer chemistry lab. To thrive in this role, the successful candidate will have specific experience in the preparation and characterisation of polyurethanes, polyacrylates, and hydrogels, hands-on and able to work independently, adaptable to ideas and change, resourceful and self-motivated. There is also opportunity to be involved in fabrication and analysis of sensor prototypes incorporating in-house prepared polymer and hydrogels. The role is based within our highly innovative team in Bristol’s only dedicated scientific incubator: Science Creates (St Phillips Incubator) (see: Science Creates – A Home for Deep Tech in Bristol for more details). Carbometrics is a young, growing company and will offer the successful candidate an interesting and enjoyable work environment with a highly motivated team of scientists plus an opportunity to grow and develop scientific skills and experience.Senior Scientist requirementsEssential: • BSc in and appropriate field (for example Materials/Polymer Chemistry/Biomedical Engineering)• Desirable: • Further qualifications in and appropriate field (MSc or PhD). Skills & ExperienceEssential:• Proficiency in key MS Office programs (Excel, Word) • Significant experience of working in a practical laboratory in academia and/or industry• Expertise in the design, characterisation and application of polymer materials• Background in mechanical characterisation of polymers/hydrogelsDesirable: • Experience with advanced coating and film forming techniques (spin-coating, electrospinning etc).• Experience with ATRP/RAFT polymerisation and other methods. • Specific industry experience in a relevant context (i.e. in vitro diagnostics and/or medical devices)• Practical research experience (preferably including organic synthesis• Ability to execute an experimental work plan; drawing on input/advice and feedback from the team leader and wider team• Familiarity with supramolecular host-guest systems or substrate binding proteins: understanding of interactions between molecules or proteins, extraction and calculation of binding constants from data and how external factors (e.g. temperature, solvent medium) can affect a binding system• Experience of biologics assay development, optimisation and qualification• Experience of advanced state-of-the-art fabrication techniques such as 3D-printing and microfluidic droplet synthesis• Specific experience of implanted medical devices • Computer and/or data science skills (i.e. knowledge of Python or other programming languages). • Experience of analytical chemistry, synthetic chemistry, fluorescence detection and biophysical techniques. Roles and ResponsibilitiesCore: • General shared facility housekeeping duties as part of the wider scientific team• Lead polymer R&D and analysis under the guidance of the Head of Research• Liaise with external contractorsAdditional:• Maintain an excellent safety culture by timely reporting of all safety incidents and learning events• Execute an experimental work plan, drawing on input from the rest of the team• Document and timely reporting of all experimental work• Assist the team to ensure procedures are developed and kept up to date• Actively contribute to continuous improvement by developing ideas to improve personnel safety, environmental aspects and process improvement.Eligibility and Expectations • In order to qualify for this position, the candidate will need to be authorised to live and work in the UK• The candidate must have respect for others and a commitment and enthusiasm for high standards and continuous improvement• At Carbometrics we value diversity. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome employees who meet the requirements of the job regardless of gender, ethnic origin, disability, age, religion or sexual orientationYou may also have experience in the following: Scientist, Polymer Science, Hydrogel Chemistry, Polymer R&D, Science Analysis, Science research, Carbometric technology, chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, ATRP, RAFT etcREF-