Engineering Technician

Depixus is pioneering the development of MAGNA™, a novel genetic analysis technology for decoding the dynamic genome. The MAGNA™ platform can be used to extract genetic and epigenetic information rapidly and accurately from single molecules of DNA and RNA as well as reveal how nucleic acids interact with other molecules to regulate and control biological systems. The technology will allow researchers to reveal new areas of biology unexplored with current technologies.

Originally developed in the Physics Department of École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris, the potential of this exciting technology has been recognised through the award of numerous grants and prizes for innovation at both national and international levels. After several years dedicated to developing and validating this proprietary technology, Depixus is now entering the product development and commercialisation phase of its first generation of MAGNA™ instruments.

The company has offices and labs in both Paris, France and Cambridge, UK and a team of over 40 staff that span multiple specialisms, including electronic and mechanical engineering, molecular biology, surface chemistry, data science, and software development. The company is entering a period of rapid growth, supported by a recent large fundraising.

The company currently has an open position for a full-time Engineering technician who will participate in the assembly, calibration and validation of various scientific-grade instruments, from prototypes to commercial products. This is a rare opportunity to play an important role in the development of a cutting-edge technology, at an exciting stage in its commercial development.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional individual who enjoys working in a highly collaborative R&D environment, leading to commercial production, to join our multidisciplinary team. Reporting to the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, you would work closely with our engineers in instrumentation, mechanical and electronic design, and embedded software, as well as our biology team and our data science team. In your position you would play an important role in the fabrication of prototype and early production instruments.

This role would suit candidates with similar experience in the development of complex scientific instruments for biomedical applications (ideally in genetic analysis).

Responsibilities

• Assemble, calibrate and test precision complex optomechanical scientific instruments
• Execute various maintenance processes and support the maintenance of functional instruments
• Resolve various technical challenges during assemblies
• Participate in the writing of assembly notes and test procedures
• Thoroughly, reliably and consistently document and report on the assembly process
• Follow procedures and regulations, and identify any Quality Standard discrepancy
• Be able to recognize issues/problems along with the ability to step by step, logically, evaluate the problem. Then be able to effectively record, communicate and present the issues along with possible solutions to the appropriate person(s).

Required Qualifications, Experience, and Qualities

• Advanced degree as engineering technician or engineering degree in optomechanics, electronics or similar.
• At least 3 years of experience in the development of high-quality scientific instruments.
• Ability to work both in a very collaborative team environment while also being able to show the initiative to complete ones work independently if necessary is a must
• Ability and willingness to follow through on objectives and if those objectives are not understood, to ask the appropriate questions to clarify what is needed

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in the assembly and characterization of optical systems (ideally imaging systems)
• Familiarity with usual electronic test equipment
• Familiarity with mechanical drawings
• Ability to do occasional basic hand soldering of components for repairs

Location

The job will be based primarily in Depixus’ offices/labs in Paris, France, with the possibility of occasional travel to the company’s offices/labs in Cambridge U.K.

Recruitment process

• Visio interview or call with the HR team

• Technical interview with manager and team members + visit office / lab

• Day interview with Management and HR Director

• Reference checks

• Timing : 2-3 weeks