WHO ARE WE

InSpek uses optical microchip technology to sense multiple molecules, temperature, acidity, oxygenation, and more in real time, directly at the heart of biochemical reactions. Our sensors help produce medicines, food, and energy while reducing waste. We make sensors better, cheaper, and smaller!

Do you want to join a young, dynamic, ambitious, and VC-backed startup?

Then InSpek is the place for you!

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING

As a Bioprocess Engineer, you will be the first hands-on user of InSpek’s photonic probes, using them exactly as our future customers will. Within the Applications team, your primary mission is to beta test our probes under realistic bioprocess conditions and to collect high-quality data to train our AI models. This is a probe-testing and data-generation role rather than a process-optimisation one: you run small-scale fermentations as the setting in which the probes are challenged, keeping conditions stable and monitoring key parameters such as temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen so that the data we collect is clean and reliable.

You will conduct measurements using InSpek’s photonic sensors, which will directly contribute to sensor calibration efforts. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of biotechnology and photonics, where your hands-on expertise will support the advancement of next-generation process monitoring solutions.

RESPONSABILITIES

• Probe testing:

o Act as InSpek’s “first customer”: use and stress-test the photonic probes in day-to-day bioprocess conditions exactly as an end user would

o Run structured probe-testing campaigns covering fouling, cleaning and regeneration, handling, insertion and removal, and robustness over repeated use

o Evaluate probe performance across single- and multi-analyte measurements

o Document failure modes, usability issues, and improvement ideas, and feed them back to the hardware and software teams

• Upstream / fermentation activities:

o Prepare and operate small-scale fermentations using shake flasks and small-scale bioreactors (primarily yeast to begin with)

o Monitor fermentation parameters (temperature, pH, DO, agitation, etc.) and maintain stable, reproducible process conditions

o Assemble, clean, sterilise, and disassemble fermentation vessels and related equipment

o Prepare culture media, feeds, buffers, and probe calibration following established protocols

o Handle microbial strains (primarily yeast initially, with mammalian cells introduced later) under sterile conditions

• Data generation:

o Generate reliable, high-quality, well-labelled datasets from probe measurements to train and validate InSpek’s AI and chemometric models

o Maintain accurate, detailed experiment records with full sample traceability and consistent data logging

o Format and organise results to support data analysis and model development, in coordination with the data/AI team

o Use standard reference analytical techniques (e.g. Cedex) to provide reference values alongside the probe data

• General lab support:

o Draft technical reports, laboratory notebooks, and contribute to the documentation of procedures

o Conduct routine maintenance and troubleshooting of fermentation systems and lab instruments

o Manage lab operations, including cleaning, sterilisation, and inventory of consumables and media

o Support lab organisation, always ensuring good hygiene and safety practices

COMPETENCIES / PROFIL

· Bioprocessing track record: 2+ years of experience in running bioprocesses

· Bioreactor operation: Ability to set up and operate bioreactors in batch and fed-batch modes

· Lab operations: Comfortable with routine lab operations, including media and buffer preparation, solution making, autoclave use, dishwashing equipment, and labware cleaning

· Familiar with ordering lab supplies and maintaining inventory

· Awareness of laboratory safety procedures and PPE requirements

· Startup mindset: Proactive, eager to learn, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

· Languages: Fluency in English; French is a plus

· Nice-to-have:

o Experience with mammalian cell cultures

o Familiarity with standard analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, Cedex)

o Previous exposure to Raman spectroscopy

o Experience in regulated environments and knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)

BENEFITS

💼 Health and life insurance (100%)

🍽️ Meal vouchers

🏃🏼 Gymlib account (access to gyms & sports)

📈 Employee stock options (BSPCE)

🏡 Flexible remote work policy

🎉 Regular social events

💥 Growth opportunities with potential for leadership roles

🌟 Inclusive culture

🚀 Unique opportunity to be an early employee at an innovative startup

InSpek’s offices & laboratories are located at DocCity Suresnes, in the western Paris region.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don’t tick all the requirements.