Stealth Startup - Deep Tech
Research Associate – Aptamers & Biosensing
Requirements
Requires independent wet-lab experience in biochemistry or molecular biology, practical PCR/qPCR optimisation and troubleshooting, and hands-on aptamer experience including at least one SELEX workflow. Candidates should be confident with DNA and oligonucleotide handling, gel electrophoresis, experimental design, data interpretation, documentation, and methodical troubleshooting.
Job Description
About the role
We’re seeking a hands-on Research Associate to develop the aptamers and molecular recognition workflows behind our next-generation sensing platform.
You’ll plan and run experiments spanning SELEX, PCR/qPCR, oligonucleotide handling and aptamer characterisation, working closely with our chemistry and biosensing teams to generate reproducible data and improve candidate performance.
About us
We’re a stealth, venture-backed deep-tech company developing a proprietary photonic sensing platform. We’re supported by a leading European venture fund, experienced health-tech investors and SPRIND, Germany’s Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation.
Our mission is to make molecular changes measurable through miniaturised, low-cost and low-power sensing technology, initially focused on healthcare.
Responsibilities
- Run and optimise SELEX workflows, including selection, amplification and enrichment.
- Perform PCR/qPCR, oligonucleotide preparation, gel electrophoresis and aptamer characterisation.
- Design experiments with appropriate controls and replicates, analyse results and troubleshoot inconsistent outcomes.
- Maintain clear experimental records and protocols to support reproducible work.
- Coordinate multi-step experiments and collaborate across chemistry and biosensing.
Experience and profile
Essential experience
- Independent wet-lab experience in biochemistry or molecular biology.
- Practical PCR/qPCR experience, including optimisation and troubleshooting.
- Hands-on aptamer preparation, folding or use, plus experience with at least one SELEX workflow.
- Confident DNA and oligonucleotide handling, concentration measurement, small-volume preparation and serial dilutions.
- Experience running and interpreting agarose and/or PAGE gels.
- Strong experimental design, data interpretation and documentation skills, with a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
Particularly valuable experience
- Randomised libraries, modified oligonucleotides, nucleic-acid purification or magnetic-bead selection.
- Cell culture and sterile technique, particularly for cell-SELEX.
- Aptamer characterisation using SPR, BLI, MST, fluorescence, ITC, QCM-D or CD spectroscopy.
- Surface modification, bioconjugation or protein handling.
- Sequence optimisation, binding kinetics, SELEX sequencing analysis or computational modelling.
Why work for us?
- Hands-on ownership: Develop the aptamers and workflows underpinning our platform.
- Real-world impact: Help build technology with the potential to change how health is monitored.
- Exceptional colleagues: Work with talent from Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial across sensing, chemistry and engineering.
- Supportive, fast-moving culture: Room to experiment, regular feedback and close collaboration.
- Competitive compensation and meaningful equity: A competitive salary and early-stage share options.
Location and application
London, UK. This hands-on laboratory role will be primarily in person. Relocation support and UK visa sponsorship are available for exceptional candidates.
Apply through the listing or email careers@chunehealth.com. All applications and discussions will be handled confidentially.