Microfluidics Engineer - Chemistry

We are recruiting for a talented and experienced Microfluidics Engineer (Chemistry) to help develop a novel sensing platform for environmental monitoring. 

As a Research and Development Chemist, you will develop a microfluidic platform for performing low-volume, high throughput chemical assays. You will optimise chemical assays and work to reduce reagent consumption and increase the lifetime of the consumables. You will be working alongside a team of hardware and software engineers developing our first product with scope to take your research from bench to real-world conditions. Within the team at Mode Labs, you will work to define and integrate the developed chemical assays into the microfluidic platform and ensure the robustness of the chemistry to the required application. 

Within the technical team, you will:

§  Develop and optimise microfluidic platforms for performing chemical assays. 

§  Design and fabricate (in-house and externally) microfluidic scale devices for integration into our analytical sensing platform. 

§  Assist in the design and specification of the automated microfluidics platform.

§  Optimise and validate the performance of chemical assays and the lifetime of the consumables.

§  Become an expert user of our platform to assess and feedback on technical developments. 

§  Investigate and report on existing chemical assays and approaches for measuring environmentally relevant chemicals, including nitrates, phosphates, ammonia, heavy metals, and organic pollutants (e.g. PFAS and other fluorine-based contaminants).

§  Act as an internal customer to our product to help define and guide technical decisions.

§  Support field trial activities with external customers. 

§  Support/ lead laboratory management and upkeep of best working practices. 

We aim to build a diverse, collaborative and cross-functional team with a passion for root-cause analysis and solving complex technical problems. We are looking for experienced hires with a high level of technical and practical experience within the product development space. Backgrounds in the development of analytical, optical and/or microfluidic instruments is desirable. 

You will have a technical background in Microfluidics/ Microengineering with prior experience in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related fields who will thrive working as part of a small passionate team.

You will be able to demonstrate that you have most of the following (essential experience): 

§  Hands-on expertise in developing and automating microfluidic systems. 

§  Experience in design and fabrication of low-volume microfluidic prototypes. 

§  Hands-on experience working with and integrating microfluidic system components (micro-pumps, micro-valves, sensors etc.)

§  Understanding of various fabrication techniques (e.g. soft lithography, rapid prototyping).

§  A background in method development, optimisation and validation of chemical assays.

§  Hands-on experience using analytical instruments and techniques.

§  Working knowledge and experience of standard laboratory skills and techniques (e.g., solution preparation and pipetting, data analysis, methodology development, design-of-experiments etc.).

§  An understanding of best scientific practice and able to work to the highest standards.

§  Able to review scientific literature and adapt approaches to develop novel processes.

§  Enthusiasm for understanding and aiding in the development of complex technical systems.

§  Effectively communicate and present data to the wider technical team.

§  Excellent self-starter with strong record-keeping and organisational skills. 

§  Knowledge of COSHH and risk assessments in a laboratory setting.

Senior positions may be considered for those who also have (additional experience):

§  Appreciable experience in the hands-on development of analytical instruments, microfluidic systems or optical-based measurement techniques. 

§  Proven expertise in scaling microfluidic device manufacture from prototype to production.

§  Understanding of manufacturing challenges and quality control processes required for microfluidic devices.

§  Direct experience in development of chemical assays for environmental sensing. 

§  Experience in maintaining lab-based validation and accreditation in industrial standards, e.g. LGC AQUACHECK (ISO/IEC 17043).

§  Experience working in an SME/ Start-up environment. 

Salary:

Salary will be dependent upon level of skill and experience. We therefore anticipate the following:

§  £40k – £45k for applicants with experience working within a research or technical environment with the essential experience required.

§  £45k – £50k for applicants who can also demonstrate the additional experience listed above. 

Other Benefits: 

§  Employee share option scheme

§  Optional 9-day fortnight work pattern

§  Flexible working arrangements where possible

§  25 days paid leave and bank holidays 

§  Annual discretionary training allowance

§  Company matched pension contributions up to 5%

§  Travel to work loan scheme

These roles are advertised as full-time, however, part-time would be considered at a minimum of 0.8 FTE. We are pleased to accommodate flexible and hybrid working where appropriate but, as a small company focussed on technology development, we find hands-on system and collaboration time to be highly valuable, so encourage time spent in the office and expect this when required.

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Job Closing Date: Until position is filled. Applications will be reviewed as received so this vacancy may be closed earlier; early applications are therefore encouraged.

Interview Dates: Starting 6th January 2025

Interview Process: Initial telephone/ video calls will be used for shortlisting candidates. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview. The in-person interview may include a short technical assessment based on the above job description or a short presentation of previous experience. Candidates will be informed in advance of this.

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Our Company

Mode Labs, a spin-out from the University of Oxford, are developing an innovative remote autonomous chemical sensor platform to address the growing need to understand and monitor the world around us.

As part of our initial mission, Mode Labs are targeting the development of a remotely deployable sensor to act within the water quality market and address the unmet and growing needs of environmental legislation across the country and beyond. Our Vision is to bring chemical understanding outside of the laboratory, delivering clear and concise measurement data where it is needed most. Precision sensing, anytime, anywhere.