Senior Research Engineer, Microfluidic Systems, R&D

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections,  where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

At Roche, we are working to make next-generation sequencing simple and accessible enough for routine use. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated end-to-end solutions for next-generation sequencing, resulting in a sample-in, result-out workflow.

Our Systems Technology Group, a part of Roche Sequencing Solutions, is focused on creating and advancing technologies to significantly enhance DNA sequencing workflows. We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-oriented Senior Research Engineer to join the effort. In this role, you will tackle a variety of tasks and projects that will help us advance our technology, hardware, and workflows related to our next-generation DNA sequencing systems.

We are looking for candidates with a proven track record of excellence in developing novel technology for biological applications. This is a hands-on, interdisciplinary role with a mix of responsibilities.

The Opportunity

• Prototyping & Fabrication:
  You will design, fabricate, and assemble custom devices, fixtures, and breadboards using CNC machining, laser cutting, 3D printing, and advanced shop tools.

• Microfabrication & Metrology:
  You will develop and implement microfabrication processes, including photolithography, etching, drilling, bonding, and dicing - and utilize precision metrology instruments to characterize components and evaluate manufacturing methodologies.

• Workflow Development & Troubleshooting:
  You will test, characterize, and troubleshoot complex fluidic systems and devices. Develop new workflows, protocols, and assays, while collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive technical progress.

• Documentation & Reporting:
  You will generate comprehensive test plans, experimental protocols, and technical reports to document findings and methodology.

• Equipment Maintenance:
  You will operate, repair, and maintain lab equipment and custom instrumentation, ensuring optimal performance of breadboards and fixtures.

• Collaboration:
  You will partner with a small, agile team of scientists and engineers, as well as the broader organization, to advance next-generation sequencing and diagnostic workflows.

A cover letter is required for this application. Please outline your relevant experience and explain why you are interested in this role and our company.

This is an on-site position based in Santa Clara, CA.
Relocation benefits are not being offered for this role.

Who You Are:
(Required)
 

• You have a Ph.D. in Bioengineering or a closely related discipline with 2–5 years of relevant research and early development experience in the life science industry.

• You have demonstrated expertise in library preparation and target enrichment workflows.

• You have a demonstrated level of proficiency in operating and interpreting data from bioanalytical instruments, including qPCR, dPCR, Bioanalyzer/TapeStation, Qubit Fluorometer, and NanoDrop UV-Vis Spectrophotometer.

• You have significant experience with nucleic acid extraction methodologies and purification techniques.

• You have demonstrated success in building, operating, and troubleshooting hardware, fixtures, and breadboards integrated with fluidic, pneumatic, thermal, and optical subsystems.

• You have experience with workflow simulation software and Python scripting for instrument hardware control.

• You have advanced knowledge of microfabrication techniques, including lithography, thin-film deposition, wet etching, and glass-to-glass bonding processes.

• You have a strong understanding of engineering and chemistry fundamentals.

• You