We will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. Early applications are encouraged.
Start Date: Flexible — ideally as soon as possible, but we’re happy to accommodate notice periods. Most likely between June and August.
Salary: £35,000 – £45,000
The Role
Semarion is a dynamic, early-stage spin-out company developing a cutting-edge platform that integrates advanced microchip materials with cellular disease models. Our proprietary SemaCyte® technology combines semiconductor processing, materials science, and biology to transform cell-based assays. We are expanding our advanced materials team to strengthen and scale the manufacturing of our SemaCyte® platform.
We are looking for a motivated process engineer with a strong foundation in semiconductor or materials manufacturing to help drive pilot-scale production, process tracking, and product innovation. This role offers a unique opportunity to work across production, quality control, materials characterisation, and platform development, contributing both operationally and intellectually to a fast-growing technology company.
This role is expected to grow in scope and responsibility as Semarion continues to scale. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via info@semarion.com. Whether you are looking to take the next step in your career or apply your skills in a dynamic start-up environment, we would love to hear from you.
About Semarion
Semarion is a dynamic spin-out from the University of Cambridge, transforming how adherent cell assays are performed in drug discovery. Our proprietary SemaCyte® microcarrier platform turns adherent cells into barcoded, automation-friendly reagents, enabling scientists to extract 10x more data from existing assay infrastructure. This unique approach is paving the way for the next generation of cell biology automation, helping the life sciences industry generate better drug data, faster.
We combine advanced materials engineering with deep biological expertise to develop and commercialise our technology. We have partnered with leading pharma and biotech companies and have grown an interdisciplinary team of biologists and engineers. Our technology is already being used by major industry players to simplify cell model handling, improve assay consistency, and accelerate decision-making in early drug discovery.
We are currently in an exciting scale-up phase, expanding both our manufacturing and biology capabilities to meet growing demand.
For more information, visit www.semarion.com.
Your responsibilities in the role
- Manufacture SemaCyte® materials at the scale needed for internal and external engagements.
- Advance and operate pilot-scale wafer production processes, including process tracking and batch control.
- Identify key process bottlenecks, establish and track process windows, and implement manufacturing QA/QC protocols.
- Support the scaling of manufacturing operations, including equipment evaluation, process optimization, and yield improvement.
- Perform materials characterisation and functional testing to validate product quality and performance.
- Contribute to product development and innovation projects (e.g., new SemaCyte® dimensions, surface treatments, or integrated features).
- Maintain detailed documentation of production protocols, experimental results, and process deviations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including biology and software, to advance integrated platform capabilities.
The qualities we are looking for
- Scientific curiosity and creativity: You are driven to explore new ideas and design thoughtful experiments.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills: You approach challenges openly and base decisions on data and evidence.
- Integrity and collaboration: You work transparently and uphold our values of exploration, inclusivity, and teamwork.
- Reliability and organisation: You can manage tasks effectively and deliver on objectives.
- Adaptability and willingness to learn: You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic start-up environment.
- Balance of independence and teamwork: You can work autonomously while keeping close communication with colleagues.
- Openness to feedback and self-improvement: You welcome constructive feedback and actively seek personal and professional growth.
The background we are looking for
- A degree in Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Solid understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes, particularly optical lithography, PVD, and thin film handling.
- Experience operating wafer-level fabrication processes at the pilot scale (e.g., 10+ wafers per week).
- Exposure to scaling production operations and developing structured approaches to increase throughput and yield.
- Experience in any of the following areas is desirable: spintronics, MEMS fabrication, surface chemistry, magnetic materials, or microfluidic device manufacturing.
We recognise that not every candidate will meet every requirement. If you are excited about this role and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply.
Working at Semarion
At Semarion, we believe that a supportive, flexible, and collaborative environment is key to both scientific progress and personal growth. Our team is based at the Maxwell Centre on the West Cambridge Site and operates laboratory facilities at the University of Cambridge Department of Physics.
We offer a range of benefits designed to support your well-being and development, including:
- Hybrid & flexible working
- Share options so you can grow with the company
- Private health insurance
- 30 days holiday
- 8% pension contributions
As part of a growing, venture-backed company, you will work closely with our founders, technical teams, and customers. You will have real ownership of your work, the opportunity to shape how we grow, and support to develop your skills along the way.
We want Semarion to be a place where you can do your best work, grow professionally, and help us build the future of cell-based drug discovery.
For more information, visit www.semarion.com/careers.