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Microfluidics Engineer

DropGenie

Microfluidics Engineer

Boston, MA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    DropGenie is a biotechnology startup envisioning gene editing at the click of a button, for the development of personalized cell therapies. We are developing hardware and software to automate gene editing pipelines. The underlying technology we are leveraging is called Digital Microfluidics, where we are able to control discrete droplets of reagents using electricity. You can learn more about our company visionhere. DropGenie is a dynamic startup and successful candidates will flourish in a fast-paced environment.

    Currently, we are seeking a Microfluidics Engineer, who will be responsible of designing digital microfluidic devices, optimized for mammalian cell-based assays and experiments. You will provide the bridge from digital to biological, by interfacing the devices with existing hardware and executing lean biological protocols using the system. This entails working closely with the hardware engineer, to design 'smart interfacing' with chip cartridges, and with the biologist to optimize chip designs for specific molecular biology pipelines. Tasks will include chip fabrication (photolithography or PCB design), surface functionalization to enable cell culture, and injection molding designs for reagent delivery. You will also be responsible for scalable design and identifying suitable contract manufacturers for chip fabrication.

    What you'll do

    • Ownership and oversight of microfluidic chip/cartridge, leading the fabrication effort by incorporating microfabrication processes, sourcing and testing novel materials and innovating on the current solution.
    • Leading microfluidic product vision and roadmap (design, develop, assemble), establishing robust SOPs for device fabrication, testing and downstream manufacturing.
    • Small-scale fabrication of microfluidic devices, with significant hands on work in a cleanroom and a wet lab. Implement quality control strategy.
    • Close collaborations with biologists to understand their needs and requirements for next generation molecular biology devices.
    • Test basic biological protocols and analyze data to develop robust microfluidic consumables. Evaluate, troubleshoot and innovate on the current digital microfluidic approaches to push the boundaries of the technology.
    • Work with external manufacturers to fabricate designs.

    About you

    • Strong technical background in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or similar field (preferred Master's or PhD). 
    • Extensive experience in developing, building, and applying novel microfluidic solutions, with 3 years experience of hands-on cleanroom microfabrication experience developing process flows. (Hands-on experience with soft photolithography, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering and thin film metallization, micromachining, dry and wet etching, wafer bonding/polishing, plasma cleaning, profilometry, spin-coating, …)
    • Experience working with automation systems and comfortable with electrical and computer engineering theory.
    • Comfortable with rapid prototyping techniques and injection molding.
    • Experience with L-Edit, AutoCAD, SolidWorks or other CAD design software.
    • Familiar with basic biology laboratory techniques. Cell and molecular biology is a plus.
    • Detail oriented, with excellent organizational and communication skills, with excellent data analysis and critical thinking skills.
    • Demonstrated ability to thrive as an independent contributor in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary startup environment.

    Nice to have

    • Previous experience working in a startup environment.
    • Interest/knowledge of molecular biology pipelines and standard molecular biology laboratory equipment.
    • Experience with digital microfluidics/electrowetting.
    • Previous experience in the biotech industry.
    • Knowledge of semiconductor physics, materials (notably hydrophobic and dielectric coatings) and processing.
    • Some programming knowledge with embedded software (C/C++) and/or higher level languages (Python, etc).

    Direct applicants only. No agencies please.

    Due to the stage of our company, we will be unable to apply for a visa for this role and will only accept candidates who are eligible to work in the US without the need for working visa. For Canadian citizens only, we are able to help navigate the visa application process.

    At DropGenie, we believe that everyone has the ability to make an impact. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, military or veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please mention it in your outreach email.