Research Associate, Microfluidics & Platform Operations

The Role

Ampersand is actively seeking a talented Microfluidics Microfabrication Engineer with specialization in droplet microfluidic-based single cell assay development in the field of Antibody Discovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the creation, iteration and establishment of novel microfluidic device designs for antibody discovery applications.
• Perform cleanroom-based manufacture of multi-layer device masters via mask alignment and UV photolithography.
• Develop and optimize PDMS soft lithography device manufacturing methods to improve device yield.
• Fabricate microfluidic devices, maintain and document device stock levels, and perform device quality control characterizations, providing detailed reports which inform decision making and continuous improvement.
• Conduct experiments by operating microfluidic platforms and analyze data to inform iterative process development.
• Troubleshoot device and/or system issues and identify ways to optimize processes.
• Analyze, interpret, document, and communicate results to cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with our internal R&D teams to translate project requirements into system specifications.
• Maintain meticulous documentation of designs, cleanroom fabrication protocols, device master quality control (QC) characterizations, and experimental results to ensure traceability and facilitate knowledge transfer.
• Support assay development workflows through reagent preparation, sample preparation, fluorescence-based readouts, and cell- or bead-based assay setup for antibody discovery applications.
• Maintain an understanding of the latest research and advancements in the field, fostering innovation within our team.

Required Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master of Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in 2D and 3D CAD design for custom device designs, e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and/or SolidEdge.
• Demonstrable expertise in cleanroom-based microfabrication of microfluidics and/or MEMS devices, including mask alignment, UV photolithography, and PDMS soft lithography.
• Experience with fabricating and quality checking PDMS devices, plus maintaining device and consumable inventories.
• Experience with running and troubleshooting microfluidic experiments, particularly in droplet microfluidics.
• Exposure to surface modification techniques to tailor microchannel properties for biological applications.
• Proficiency in data processing and analysis to enable interpretation of results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present results and scientific data to team leaders, cross-functional teams, academic collaborators, or partners.

Preferred Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Exposure to any combination of mask alignment, UV photolithography, imprint lithography, injection molding, metal deposition, wafer dicing, laser ablation, and/or thermal bonding in a cleanroom setting is advantageous.
• Experience with supporting biological assay workflows, including reagent preparation, sample preparation, fluorescence-based readouts, cell-based screening workflows, or droplet-based antibody discovery assays, is advantageous.
• Exposure to library screening or cell line development workflows, including vector cloning, transfection, selection, and expansion.

Benefits

• Healthcare coverage
• Annual incentive program
• Retail benefits

Salary Range

$65,000 - $107,300