Biophotonics Scientist - Paris - Spore

Description

At Spore.Bio, we're reinventing how microbiology is done in industrial and clinical settings. After months spent inside factories and labs, we saw firsthand how slow and constrained traditional microbiological workflows still are. So we built a new paradigm using advanced optics and deep learning to deliver results in seconds instead of days.

Today, we're taking this mission a step further.

We created Spore.Labs, our fundamental research division dedicated to one of the biggest global health challenges starting with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). With the support of the AI for Science Initiative, Spore.Labs is launching an open-source program to reduce AMR diagnostic time from days to minutes enabling rapid identification of resistance genes and promoting targeted, responsible antibiotic use.

And now, we're entering the next chapter.

We're building a team of exceptional researchers, engineers, and scientists who will bring this project out of stealth mode and push the boundaries of biophotonics, genomics, and AI. If you want to work at the frontier of AMR research, help shape open scientific infrastructure, and contribute to a global effort backed by Google, we'd love to meet you.

About the role

As the Biophotonics Scientist, you will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of advanced optical imaging systems for bacterial characterization.

You will work closely with microbiologists and AI researchers to generate high-dimensional optical datasets that feed into deep learning pipelines for predictive diagnostics.

Main Responsibilities

• Design, build, and optimize biophotonic imaging platforms including:
• Develop and standardize data acquisition protocols ensuring reproducibility and high signal-to-noise ratios.
• Collaborate with AI and microbiology teams to integrate optical datasets into predictive deep learning models.
• Conduct proof-of-concept and translational experiments to demonstrate diagnostic potential.
• Contribute to publications, patents, and scientific communications highlighting novel optical approaches for bacterial diagnostics.
• Mentor junior team members and support cross-disciplinary knowledge transfer.
• Hyperspectral imaging (UV–Vis–IR) for spectral fingerprinting of microbial samples.
• Deep UV excitation for intrinsic fluorescence and molecular characterization.
• Infrared (IR) spectroscopy for chemical composition analysis.
• Raman spectroscopy for molecular vibration-based identification of resistance markers.

About you

Required qualifications/ experience :

We value curiosity, initiative, and a growth mindset: not every box needs to be ticked to apply.

• Education & Experience: 5–10 years of proven experience as an optical engineer or researcher, ideally in life sciences imaging. Familiarity with microbiology is a plus.
• Prototyping & Project Management: Strong hands-on experience with optical bench prototyping, coupled with the ability to manage complex, multidisciplinary projects in demanding environments.
• R&D Mindset: Passion for innovation and for developing new microscopy and bioimaging features.
• Personality: Energetic, proactive, mission-driven, and eager to make an impact.

Technical Skills

• Advanced expertise in biophotonics, optical microscopy, and spectroscopy (hyperspectral, UV, IR, Raman).
• Experience in instrumentation design, optical alignment, and calibration.
• Knowledge of data preprocessing, signal analysis, and multivariate spectral analysis.
• Familiarity with Python or MATLAB for data acquisition and analysis pipelines.
• Strong understanding of optical physics and biological sample handling.

We don't expect you to know everything from day one. What matters most is your curiosity, drive to learn, and willingness to dive into challenges.

• Work in an innovative and rapidly growing startup.
• Participate in exciting and impactful projects.
• Evolve in a collaborative and stimulating work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous training.

What we offer

We believe that flexibility and trust are important parts of a company. Our work environment reflects this thanks to:

• Flexible remote: If you live in Paris, you can work from our office or from your place with no constraints.

On top of that, we offer many perks such as:

• a budget for remote work equipment
• a Gymlib subscription for you to stay in shape wherever you are
• premium health insurance (Alan in France)
• a Swile card for your meals, if you are based in France
• frequent team events and in-person gatherings every quarter

Recruitment process

• 30-min call with the Hiring Manager
• 45-min personality interview with two team members
• A 1 hour technical case study followed by a debrief with team members
• 1 hour Founders interview
• Reference calls

You might also be invited to meet other team members at the office for a lab visit and a coffee

This is a unique opportunity for someone who thrives on curiosity and has a genuine passion for technology. If you enjoy taking on challenges and solving complex problems, this role will provide the perfect environment for growth and impact. The ideal candidate is someone who is self-driven, eager to learn, and excited to contribute to shaping the future of microbiology monitoring. Join our innovative and dynamic team, and let's make a difference together We look forward to meeting you