Avanc is an early-stage deep-tech company based in Bristol, UK. Co-founded by a biologist, Dr Eleanor Jaskowska and an engineer, Lizzie Melhuish, we are a multidisciplinary team building novel optical sensing instrumentation that makes biological risk in the environment visible in real time. Avanc is currently funded by grants and investment from Zinc VC. We are about to open our pre-seed fundraising round. This is an exciting time to join us as one of two first hires.
R&D Scientist
Optical Sensing
Full Time | Permanent | Bristol
Start: November/ December 2026
Closing Date: 30th November 2026
We are hiring our first R&D Scientist to work on the core biological optical sensing platform.
This is a role with real ownership. You will shape a research direction and see your work become part of a platform that generates novel capabilities. The role involves working with a high degree of technical risk and ambiguity. The reward is seeing your work translate into early prototypes and sensor deployments in the real world.
You'll be reporting to the CTO/Lead Engineer with input from the CEO/Lead Biologist and working alongside a Machine Learning Engineer building the analytical layer. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially curious and self-motivated scientist who also wants to develop their knowledge of how an early stage startup works.
The Role
You will work closely with our CTO to:
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Support instrument design, calibration, optical alignment and integration work
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Design and execute experiments to evaluate signal quality and reproducibility
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Work with biological samples safely under standard lab protocols
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Collect and process data for downstream analysis
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Contribute to reports, presentations, grant applications
Essential Requirements
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PhD or Master's in physics, materials science, engineering biology, medical engineering, chemistry, or a related discipline.
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Hands-on research background in spectroscopy or optical measurement techniques, ideally in nanophotonics, plasmonics or a related field
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Practical experience with optical instrumentation and experimental design
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Comfortable building and troubleshooting lab hardware/jigs
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Methodical, well-documented approach to experimentation, with attention to data quality
Bonus if you’re familiar with
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Some experience handling biological samples in a lab setting
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Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
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Familiarity with software tools for data processing/analysis (e.g. Python, MATLAB)
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Prior work in a fast-paced startup or short-cycle R&D environment
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Exposure to nanomaterials or colloidal chemistry
You are
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Entrepreneurially minded, a self-starter who takes initiative
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Hands on and practical
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Comfortable with ambiguity and the pace of an early-stage startup
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Keen to build something real
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An interdisciplinary scientist, familiar with working across chemistry, optics, engineering and biology. We're not looking for someone equally confident across each area but an individual keen to upskill.
Practical details
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Salary range £35-40,000 depending on experience and equity package. If you fit the description but you're more experienced or also have a skills overlap with our Machine Learning Engineer vacancy we'd love to hear from you. We are open to discussion with regards to a competitive remuneration package combining equity and salary
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Reports to: CTO/Lead Hardware Engineer
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Location: Bristol, access to lab facilities is required
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Full time, permanent contract
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You must have the right to work in the UK, we are unable to sponsor visas at this time
What you can expect from the hiring process
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Application comprising CV + questions
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Successful candidates invited to 3 interviews
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1st interview will assess cultural fit and motivation with CEO
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2nd interview will be a technical assessment with CTO
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Final stage: visit our lab in Bristol for final interview and practical challenge
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