(Senior) Research Associate, Microfluidics

Company Summary: 

Ampersand Biomedicines is an innovative, privately held biotechnology company leading the way in developing programmed biologics that only act where they are needed in the body (www.Ampersand.bio).  Ampersand was founded in Flagship Pioneering’s venture creation engine, and recently announced progress on the platform, pipeline, partnerships and financing. With a strong emphasis on innovation, Ampersand cultivates a highly dynamic and entrepreneurial environment.   

Position Summary: 

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. The role will focus on the development of a variety of novel microfluidic devices to facilitate the discovery of rare antibodies at Ultrahigh-throughput using our proprietary microfluidic instrumentation. Level and title will be matched to the candidate’s depth of experience.

As a vital member of our team, you will be primarily responsible for the design, fabrication, and optimization of microfluidic devices that will drive our microfluidics-based antibody discovery platform. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, where you will have the chance to work independently and collaboratively within a highly integrated team. This role will be primarily based on-site at our premises in South Boston, though occasional visits to an external cleanroom facility will be required to microfabricate device masters. Opportunities for occasional travel to our European research laboratories in Pilsen, Czechia, may arise.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Create, iterate and establish 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.
• Maintain an understanding of the latest research and advancements in the field, fostering innovation within our team.

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
• Exposure to any combination of mask alignment, UV photolithography, imprint lithography, injection molding, metal deposition, wafer dicing, laser ablation, and/or thermal bonding is advantageous.
• Experience with soft lithography for production of PDMS microfluidic devices and maintenance of device stock levels.
• Exposure to surface modification techniques to tailor microchannel properties for biological applications.
• Experience running and troubleshooting microfluidic experiments, particularly in droplet microfluidics.
• Ability to operate microfluidic instrumentation, e.g., to characterize chip performance or enable biological experiments – experience of generating and/or operating custom LabVIEW programs is a plus.
• 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.
• Enthusiastic about playing a pivotal role in the dynamic and multidisciplinary environment of a small biotech to demonstrate adaptability, specifically within the realm of microfluidics-based antibody discovery.
• Relevant industry experience in a biotechnological and/ or engineering setting is required

What We Will Offer You:

• Comprehensive, competitive healthcare and dental coverag