R&D Manager

JR United Kingdom; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job description

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Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 (commensurate with experience)

Location: Ealing, London

Reports To: Dr Georgia Fleet, CEO

Contract Type: Permanent full-time employment (80% part-time also considered)

Start date: Between June-August 2025

• Employee share option plan
• Opportunity to travel to events/conferences (UK and internationally)
• Free parking on-site

Who We Are

Zonova develops antimicrobial technology for medical devices. Our technology, when incorporated into medical devices (e.g. catheters) reduces infection risk and antibiotic use. Founded in 2023, the company is scaling its technology for both animal and human healthcare, with ongoing pilot studies and a patent filed. Aligned with the One Health approach, Zonova is committed to driving impactful, real world change in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Job Purpose:

You will be responsible for leading Zonova’s research and development efforts, managing a small but growing R&D team, and supporting the CEO on business critical decisions from the R&D perspective. Given our emphasis on material innovation, we seek candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds spanning across chemistry, materials science and/or bacterial microbiology, to drive our research and development efforts forward.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Guide the scientific development of Zonova’s antimicrobial technologies, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision. Provide line management, direction and mentorship to the R&D team (2-3 members), supporting troubleshooting and product development challenges.
• Project & Pilots Management: Oversee project timelines and provide hands-on support as needed. Manage pilot studies with veterinary hospitals and external partners, ensuring timely outcomes and adherence to protocols.
• Product Development & Testing: Lead the design, testing, and optimisation of Zonova’s products, ensuring they meet safety, efficacy, and regulatory standards where applicable.
• External Partnerships: Manage third-party collaborations, ensuring quality, confidentiality, and alignment with Zonova’s objectives. Maintain clear communication with external partners and the CEO.
• Data & Reporting: Provide summary reports of the scientific data to support patent filings, and creating presentations for conferences and stakeholders.
• Lab Management: Oversee lab operations, including risk assessments, safety compliance, and resource optimisation. Ensure accurate research and development records are kept by the team.
• Budget Oversight: Manage the R&D team’s purchasing and budget management, reporting monthly spend to the CEO.
• Scientific Communication: Represent Zonova at scientific conferences and events, ensuring clear communication of Zonova’s innovations.

What We’re Looking For:

• Inspirational Leadership: Lead by example and inspire the team with a positive, proactive attitude.
• Adaptability: Able to quickly pivot and find solutions in a dynamic, fast-changing environment.
• Strategic Mindset: Big picture thinker with a business-oriented approach to guide the scientific team.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Resourceful and innovative, especially when working with limited resources.
• Excitement for Joining a Startup: Passionate about growing with a small startup and contributing to its scaling. Supports the vision, mission and values of Zonova.
• Respectful & Collaborative: Kind and respectful, fostering an inclusive and positive team culture. Strong communicator, willing to be flexible and ensure effective communication across the team.
• Self-Motivated: A self-starter who takes ownership, gets things done, and brings fresh ideas to the table.
• Team Player: Willing to take on any task, connect with the team, and work together under pressure.
• Willingness to Learn & Receive Feedback: Open to learning, accepting feedback, and adjusting ways of working to improve performance.

Requirements

• PhD / EngD in relevant research area (preferred not essential) - our work is multidisciplinary across chemistry, materials science and microbiology (bacterial testing of antimicrobial samples).
• Experience in industrial R&D roles, preferably in startups or fast-paced environments.
• Experience in leading and managing a team.
• Proven ability to lead projects, manage budgets, and meet timelines.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally with other business areas such as regulatory, operations, and business development.
• Willingness to learn about regulatory compliance, patent protection process, and safety testing for medical devices.

Application Instructions:

Please respond to the following prompts in your own style for the video:

• What excites you about this opportunity at Zonova?
• What’s one project or experience you’re proud of — and why?
• What kind of team culture do you thrive in?
• What are you hoping to learn, grow, or create in this role?

Tips:

• We’re not looking for polished or rehearsed - just you, speaking honestly.
• No fancy editing needed - a simple recording from your phone or laptop is perfect.
• Feel free to bring in personal anecdotes, metaphors, or visuals if that’s your style.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Zonova is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.