Job Posting – Microfluidic Engineer
Job Title: Microfluidic Engineer
Job Division: Research & Development
Job Location: Ithaca, New York
Starting Date: Immediate Upon Hiring
Job Type: Full Time; On-Site Required
Our Mission:
We believe in the importance democratizing biology and genomics require uniquely innovative tools that can remove the need for sample processing by hand. We envision a future of increased accessibility, where complex protocols are completed from start to finish with the push of a button.
Our Company:
Inso Biosciences is a venture-backed high-growth biotech startup developing hardware systems and tools for biological sample processing. Originating out of Cornell University’s Craighead research group, Inso Bio is using technology-driven innovations to transform the landscape of genomic sample preparation. Inso Bio began operations in early-2020, and is located in Cornell’s Kevin M. McGovern Center Incubator for Life Science Venture Development.
Job Description:
We are looking for a Microfluidic Engineer to join our team in the development of devices and systems for genomic sample processing. You should be passionate about advancing biological sciences, building new technologies, and working in a fast-paced and dynamic entrepreneurial environment. You will need to be self-motivated, able to work in close-knit small teams, and able to progress technical goals without direct supervision. Your primary responsibilities will be technical in context, but will need to be flexible and open to non-technical needs as they arise. To be successful, you will need to be able to communicate and present your work, be cordial and professional, and able to think outside of the box. We are looking for someone whom is resourceful, diligent in their work, and an active problem solver.
Job Responsibilities:
- Designing, testing, and development of new microfluidic devices and systems for biological sample processing, including the following:
- Conceptualizing and creating new microfluidic designs in CAD software.
- Fabricating microfluidic device including PDMS polymer rapid prototyping.
- Testing and assessing new designs using simulation software such as COMSOL.
- Microscopy imaging in bright field and fluorescence to assess device quality.
- Microfabrication via standard photolithography processes including mask development, contact alignment, reactive ion etching, etc.
- Optimize fluidic performance of both new and existing microfluidic systems, including:
- Microfluidic device priming and wetting efficiencies, development of storage and usage protocols, and validating new device performance through extensive characterization using model samples or biological and/or non-biological nature.
- Image processing and assessment of microfluidic device performance with ImageJ
- Develop and optimize existing experimental protocols and processes for sample prep.
- Bring new ideas and plans forward for improving microfluidic flow behaviors and optimizing microfluidic device performance, fabrication, and production.
- Recording, analyzing, and reporting progress on a regular basis as well as plan next steps.
- Collaboratively coordinate experiments, plan new experiments, and resolve technical issues.
- Effectively communicate findings both verbally as well as in writing.
Required Skills & Experience:
- PhD degree in engineering or Masters degree in engineering with 3 or more years of relevant job experience.
- Mastery of hands-on microfluidic design and development experience, including knowledge of fluid mechanics.
- Experience with microfabrication and clean-room processes (eg. CAD, photolithography, etching, film deposition, etc.), and experience with standard clean-room procedures and protocols.
- Ability to work independently to quickly turn around new designs into usable devices for the science team.
- Ability to develop and troubleshoot microfluidics connections for fluid controls (eg. fittings, tubings, flow rates, internal pressures, reducing dead volume, etc.)
- Ability to effectively communicate technical progress and outline proposed next steps.
- Ability to be adaptive and perform well in high-intensity dynamic environments.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.
- Must be authorized to work lawfully within the United States of America.
Beneficial Skills & Experiences:
- Experience in working with microfluidic systems and technologies for biological applications.
- Experience with fluidic pumping systems as well as integrating such equipment with microfluidic systems (eg. electronics, flow control, fittings & tubing, etc.).
- Experience with basic programming (Python, MATLAB) is strongly desired.
Reasons to Join Inso Biosciences:
- Opportunity to join a venture backed startup at the earliest stage and rapidly grow alongside the company in a fast-paced dynamic entrepreneurial environment.
- Opportunity to accelerate the trajectory of your career in a minimally hierarchal work setting where you have the ability to help shape the company’s early culture and core values.
- Opportunity for rapid growth, for developing a multitude of skill sets, and to ‘wear many hats’.
- Opportunity to be a part of a team dedicated to revolutionizing the future of genomics, and to contribute towards improving human health, agriculture, and fundamental science.
- Opportunity to drive innovation and play a critical role in new technology commercialization.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Ithaca, NY 14853: Reliably commute or willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (Required)
Education:
Experience:
- PDMS Microfluidics: 1 year (Preferred)
- COMSOL Fluid Simulations: 1 year (Preferred)
- Python: 1 year (Preferred)
- MATLAB: 1 year (Preferred)
- 3D Printing & CAD: 1 year (Preferred)
- Clean Room & Photolithography: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: One location