Founding Scientist - Synthetic Membrane Development

About the Role

Oxense Bio is innovating continuous hormone monitoring through a wearable device that analyzes interstitial fluid by leveraging a proprietary protein switch-based amperometric sensor platform, primarily aimed at female hormone and fertility monitoring. We are an early-stage startup focused on scientific challenges, seeking founding technical team members to lead core platform components with meaningful equity and risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop the sensor’s membrane layers that mediate between interstitial fluid and the protein switch, enabling selective analyte transport, antifouling, biocompatibility, and long-term stability throughout the wear period.
• Synthesize and formulate polymers such as silicone-hydrogels, PEG, and zwitterionic antifouling chemistries, along with permselective coatings essential to membrane function.
• Develop reproducible membrane deposition processes including dip coating, spray, spin coating, and crosslinking optimized for manufacturability beyond lab-scale.
• Characterize membranes in terms of permeability, partition coefficient, mechanical properties, swelling behavior, biocompatibility, and stability aligned with intended device wear duration.
• Integrate membrane stacks with sensor elements precisely, optimizing sensitivity, linearity, response time, and minimizing drift without compromising protein switch functionality.
• Support in vitro and in vivo sensor testing stages, designing membranes with sterilization compatibility from inception.
• Work autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced startup setting, pursuing milestone-based research and development goals.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in polymer chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, biomaterials, membrane science, or a closely related discipline; alternatively, a Master’s degree combined with extensive hands-on experience.
• Proficient in polymer synthesis and membrane formulation coupled with expertise in thin-film deposition techniques.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of mass transport phenomena in membranes including diffusion, partitioning, permselectivity, and control of flux limitations.
• Experience conducting comprehensive membrane and thin film characterization using methods like permeability testing, mechanical and thermal analysis (DSC/TGA), microscopy (SEM, AFM), and contact angle measurement.
• Background in developing antifouling and biocompatible membrane materials.
• Excellent communication and collaboration capabilities to engage effectively within interdisciplinary teams and with external collaborators.

Preferred Experience

• Previous work on membranes for implantable or wearable biosensors, such as continuous glucose monitor membrane stacks or similar biosensor coatings.
• Familiarity with zwitterionic and PEG antifouling chemistries, silicone-hydrogel and polyurethane formulations.
• Knowledge of biocompatibility standards (ISO 10993), sterilization protocols, and regulatory considerations.
• Expertise in scaling coating processes for manufacturing.
• Skills in diffusion and mass transport modeling.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Equity ownership as a founding scientist, joining a core early team in a dynamic startup environment.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Access to workplace pension.
• Work spanning from fundamental bench science through to development of real wearable health products.
• Fully onsite position based in London.

Additional Information

This position involves regular in-person lab work in London and requires commitment to focused and milestone-driven research within a startup atmosphere. The role demands ownership of the membrane stack and a scientific mindset excited by real-world impact in fertility health technology.

Application Instructions

Please send a personalized message expressing your enthusiasm for this challenge, what motivates you about the problem, and your initial ideas about your contribution, along with your CV. Applications are reviewed carefully, and we value specificity in candidates’ potential impact.