Development of Microfluidic Devices as High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Tools for Synthetic Biology Applications

About the role

The Development of Microfluidic Devices as High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Tools for Synthetic Biology Applications is a role requiring collaboration with synthetic biology, environmental microbiology, and bioinformatics subject matter experts. The primary responsibilities include the fabrication of microfluidic chips and conducting experiments as outlined by the Principal Investigator. The candidate will work alongside other engineers and scientists in the laboratory, write project reports, and publish results in journals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development work in the assigned project.
• Conduct proof of concept studies on ideas that can form the basis of new proposals.
• Manage the assigned projects independently and assist other lab personnel.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts for journal publications and present research results in scientific conferences and seminars.

Required Education/Conditions

• B.S or M.S. In Engineering, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Biophysics, or related disciplines. Focus and demonstrable interest in consumables, microfluidics, bioinstrumentation, or product development.
• Ability to hold U.S. Citizenship and obtain Secret-level security clearance.
• Education: Required - B.S or M.S. in relevant field. Preferred - Extensive experience in microfluidic, lab-on-a-chip, organ-on-a-chip system development, and their applications.

Preferred Experience

• Extensive experience in micro/nano fabrication in cleanroom environment.
• Experience with CAD and Multiphysics simulation (COMSOL) software.
• Support sustaining and continuous improvements for microfluidic chip (consumables) part drawings.
• Assists in preparation of documentation, BoM, drawings, specification documentation to enable to launch of new projects or improve existing sustaining projects.
• Experience in handling cells (mammalian cells, microorganisms).
• Tech-skillful in disciplines including optics, microfluidics, heat transfer, precision motion, electronics, & basic principles of electromagnetism.
• Experience with specification and requirement management systems (such as JAMA), design traceability, design verification and validation.
• Experience in process engineering methodologies such as FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), Fishbone Diagrams, Critical Parameter Management, and Design for Manufacturability to measure and improve process capability and robustness.
• Experience in performing original research and publishing high-quality research papers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of current research, issues, and innovations in microsystems.
• Extensive experiences in micro/nano fabrication in cleanroom environment.
• Engineering aptitude to participate in design reviews and assist during device optimization.
• Excellent communication skills – both writing and verbal.
• Ability to manage complex projects.
• Working knowledge design CAD systems like SolidWorks, AutoDesk, EagleCAD, etc.

About ARD

The Army Research Directorate (ARD) focuses on exploiting concept development, discovery, technology development, and transition of the most promising disruptive science and technology to deliver to the Army fundamentally advantageous science-based capabilities through laboratory’s 11 research competencies. This intramural research directorate also manages the laboratory’s essential research programs, which are flagship research efforts focused on delivering defined outcomes.

About ARL-RAP

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Scientists and Engineers at the CCDC Army Research Laboratory (ARL) help shape and execute the Army's program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs by pursuing scientific research and technological developments in diverse fields such as: applied mathematics, atmospheric characterization, simulation and human modeling, digital/optical signal processing, nanotechnology, material science and technology, multifunctional technology, combustion processes, propulsion and flight physics, communication and networking, and computational and information sciences.

About BIOLOGICAL AND BIOTECHNOLOGY SCIENCES (BBS)

Biological related disciplines, including synthetic biology, biological materials, biological/abiological interfaces, and biological effects.

A complete application includes:

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Three References Forms
• Transcripts

Questions about this opportunity?

Please email ARLFellowship@orau.org.