The Company – Northern Light Microscopy
Northern Light Microscopy is a spinout from the University of Strathclyde with the mission to empower life science labs and companies to unlock the bioscience discoveries of tomorrow through our cutting-edge accessible advanced microscopy hardware and software solutions.
Following a successful significant pre-seed funding round we are looking to scale our team and accelerate our technology roadmaps building upon our core product, the AMIS.
We are based in the centre of Glasgow and you will join a small yet incredibly talented and driven team of engineers and technical specialists working on next R&D steps with direct access to leadership, the ability to shape your career progression and be part of a very exciting and fast growing company as we transition from product development to commercial deployment!
The Role – R&D Engineer
We are seeking a full-time R&D Engineer to lead the implementation of our next generation of microscopy hardware innovations. Working at the boundary between optical physics, engineering and the life sciences you will be based in our Glasgow based labs working between our CTO and the existing engineering team to design, develop and implement microscopy modules and advance their integration with our software team into our control and acquisition software. You will additionally access and tap into direct customer feedback from our technical and product specialists to create the widest impact with your work.
Required Qualifications or Experience
- Masters or PhD in Physics, Photonics or Electrical Engineering with hands-on experience in optical alignment, optical assembly, optical system control and characterisation.
Preferred Experience
- Hands-on experience in developing microscopy or imaging systems.
- Experience in developing electronics and control for optical and opto-mechanical subsystems.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a data driven approach to development and optimization
- Ability to work independently or alongside a multi-disciplinary team, with the communication skills to ensure smooth flow of technical information and ideas.
What we offer
- Salary range: £35-44K (determined by experience)
- Base annual leave of 28 days + public holidays per year
- Generous employer pension contribution
- Support for career progression
- Close collaboration with leadership along with high product and development ownership influencing company development directions.
- A culture that prioritises openness, teamwork, inclusion and shared values.
What we offer
- Salary range: £35 - 44K (determined by experience)
- Base annual leave of 28 days + public holidays per year
- Generous employer pension contribution
- Support for career progression
- Close collaboration with leadership along with high ownership with direct influence on company direction.
- A culture that prioritises openness, teamwork, inclusion and shared values
The Candidate
At Northern Light Microscopy, we believe in opportunities for all and acknowledge the value in individual’s skills and experiences. We are seeking an applicant who is excited to join a dynamic fast growing tech startup who can take direct ownership of their work whilst contributing to the overall success of the team. We will consider applicants who can either provide proof of professional experience or relevant experience through education, whilst also putting emphasis on soft skills and team fit of each applicant.
Northern Light Microscopy is an equal opportunity employer and applications will receive consideration regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other status. As part of our barrier-free recruitment we fully support adjustments required from the company to be inclusive of those with neurodivergence and/or disabilities. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply even if you think you are only a partial match to our job specs.
We are building successful & ambitious teams filled with the right people who bring more to the role than just the qualifications they have.
Northern Light Microscopy is unfortunately unable so sponsor visas at this stage, so please only apply if you have the right to live and work in the UK. In addition due to the nature of the work that will be undertaken as part of this role the successful candidate will be expected to be working primarily on-site, though flexible work patterns will be considered on a case-by-case basis for parts of the role which do not require access to equipment or team working.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please send a short (<1 page) cover letter explaining your interest in the role and your CV to [email protected] . Please use the subject heading “R&D Engineer” and if you have any questions regarding this or other available roles, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Closing date: 9am GMT 8th of June 2026
Pay: £35,000.00-£44,000.00 per year
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
