About us

Spore.Bio is a deeptech startup born in 2023, building a new paradigm in quality control systems for Food & Beverage, Cosmetics, and Pharmaceutical factories. After spending a lot of time in factory environments, we saw the pain it was to make sure products were safe. Traditional quality control has heavy constraints and long waiting times. To change that, we decided to build Spore.Bio, a new generation of microbiological testing. Our team is dedicated to developing a cutting-edge solution, based on advanced photonic and deep-learning technologies, to detect bacterial contamination within seconds.

About the role

At the core of Spore.Bio lies a simple challenge: extracting meaningful biological information from light.

As a Senior Optical R&D Engineer, you will play a key role in defining and building the next generation of optical systems powering our platform. From novel imaging approaches to advanced photonic architectures, you will help push the boundaries of what can be measured, detected, and understood through light.

Reporting directly to the Head of Engineering, you will collaborate closely with Hardware, Microbiology, AI, and Product teams to solve some of the most challenging problems in industrial microbiology.

This is one of the most impactful technical roles at Spore.Bio, offering the opportunity to shape our technology roadmap and contribute directly to the future of our platform.

Your Mission

• Conduct comprehensive bibliographic research to design and develop a high-performance photonic system at the forefront of innovation.

• Lead the conception, development, and prototyping of a multimodal biophotonics imaging platform for a high-impact project.

• Design experiments to optimize signal quality and imaging system performance.

• Process imaging data and collaborate with computer vision engineers to analyze and interpret results.

Your Profile

• 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.

• Biophotonics Expertise: Solid understanding of light–matter interactions, microscopy, and optical system design.

• 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.

• Communication: Comfortable interacting across teams and with external partners. English proficiency (B2 or above) required.

• Personality: Energetic, proactive, mission-driven, and eager to make an impact.

Why Join Spore Bio

• Be part of an innovative and rapidly growing startup at the intersection of biotech, photonics, and AI.

• Work on exciting, impactful projects that address global challenges like antimicrobial resistance.

• Evolve in a collaborative, stimulating work environment with plenty of autonomy.

• Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and continuous training.

• Benefits: Meal vouchers, Gymlib access, and a great team spirit!

Our Recruitment Process

1. Fit Interview (~30 min): A casual call to get to know each other, explore your experience, understand what drives you, and align on expectations. It's also your chance to ask anything about Spore Bio and the role.

2. Technical Case Study (Presentation): A hands-on challenge reflecting the exact types of engineering problems you would face on the job. We care about your reasoning, methodology, and instincts—not textbook answers.

3. Culture-Fit Discussion: A dedicated chat with a Spore Bio collaborator to ensure our values, vision, and team dynamics match what you're looking for.

4. On-site Interview & Lab Visit: A comprehensive immersion day at our Paris headquarters. You will visit the optics lab and assembly area, see our systems in action, and meet the founders. This final step is as much for you to audit us as it is for us to choose you!

This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants to grow in a dynamic environment, take on diverse challenges, and make a tangible impact.

If you're excited about shaping the future of microbiology monitoring and want to be part of a fun, visionary team, apply now and let’s make a difference together!