Join the team at the Humanitarian Technology Trust building the OpenFlexure Microscope. The OpenFlexure Microscope is an open-source, digital, robotic microscope used in more than 60 countries across education, research and agriculture; it is also undergoing evaluation for use in medical diagnostics. Ultimately the goal of the OpenFlexure project is to enable manufacturers in underserved areas of the world to sell certified diagnostic microscopes into their local healthcare systems.
We are looking for a Design and Development Engineer to adapt and develop the OpenFlexure Microscope for different applications. You will develop advanced imaging modes for the microscope from prototype through to robust designs that can be replicated worldwide. You will also develop the microscope mechanics and interfaces to enable new uses of the microscope.
Designing hardware for an open source community is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. All of our designs are developed openly in collaboration with our community, allowing us to get rapid feedback on performance and reliability. The experience of seeing something you have just designed already being built the other side of the planet is one of the things that makes our work so enjoyable.
You will join a small team in our new Bath workspace. The role will span optics, mechanical design, and technical writing of documentation. Some experience with programming is essential, as we use a code-based CAD package to enable detailed design tracking and feature re-use across the project. Experience with microscopy or optical design is useful, but not essential; similarly experience 3D printing or hands-on prototyping is valuable but not required.
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Job Details
Salary: £32,000–£45,000 depending on experience and skill set. A higher salary could be negotiated for the right candidate.
Contract: Full Time, permanent. We are primarily seeking a full-time hire, though part-time arrangements may be possible for the right candidate.
Location: This role is predominantly an on-site role in Bath as it includes hands-on work with hardware systems.
Deadline: There is no fixed deadline, applications are reviewed as they come in. The role will close once a candidate is selected.
About the Organisation
The Humanitarian Technology Trust is a UK-registered charity (Charity number 1212197) that develops technologies that benefit humanity.
The OpenFlexure Microscope is currently our core development project.
What You’ll Work On
- Designing, testing, and documenting new imaging modes for the OpenFlexure Microscope
- Engaging with a global community of microscope users to understand their requirements
- Contributing to the core OpenFlexure Microscope design
- Building complete microscopes for testing and evaluation
- Collaborating openly with contributors and users around the world
Essential Skills & Qualities
- A degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related subject
- Willingness to learn new skills and technologies
- Good teamwork and collaboration skills
- Experience using at least one programming language
- A practical, hands-on approach to engineering and problem solving
Particularly Valuable Experience
Experience in any of the following areas would be beneficial:
- 3D printing and prototyping
- Scientific instrument design (especially microscopy and optics)
- Workshop or manufacturing
- CAD and 3D design skills
- Open-source software/hardware development
- Python programming for data analysis and experiment control
- Git, GitLab, or CI/CD workflows
- Electronics/PCB design
- Embedded systems, robotics, Raspberry Pi, or Arduino
- Medical device (or other regulated industry) design
- Quality management systems (ISO 13485 or ISO 9001)
- Experience working in (or collaborating with teams in) low-resource settings
Why Join the Humanitarian Technology Trust?
- Work on technology with real-world scientific and healthcare impact
- Contribute to a globally recognised open-source project
- Collaborate with an international community of researchers, developers, educators, and clinicians
- Build software that bridges embedded systems, robotics, imaging, and web technologies
- Help shape tools that improve access to microscopy worldwide
- Opportunities for international travel to meet users of the software you write
- A budget and time for relevant training and continued professional development
How to Apply
Apply by email: Send your CV and a short covering note to careers@httrust.org