Microfluidic Engineer

GenomeKey; Bristol; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology startup in Bristol is seeking a Microfluidic Engineer to join its innovative team. The role requires expertise in designing and fabricating microfluidic devices for diagnostic applications. Successful candidates should hold a PhD or equivalent experience in a related field, with skills in project management and communication. This position offers a dynamic startup environment and opportunities for creative problem-solving in developing next-generation diagnostic solutions.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Encouraging environment for knowledge sharing

Qualifications

• Industrial experience in microfluidics and laboratory settings.
• Hands-on experience in microfluidic prototyping and fabrication.
• Ability to design and interpret experiments.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop microfluidic devices for applications.
• Manage projects from conception to delivery.
• Conduct experiments to validate microfluidic systems.

Skills

Microfluidics design and fabrication

Scientific communication

Project management

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Creativity

Education

PhD or equivalent in a scientific or engineering discipline

Tools

Fusion360

CAD software

Job description

Location: On-site working at our state of the art labs in Bristol, UK.

Start Date: January/ February 2026

Eligibility: Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this role.

Company: GenomeKey is a Bristol based biotech startup developing a next-generation diagnostic device for bloodstream infections, using machine learning and DNA sequencing.

Within GenomeKey we provide an encouraging environment where knowledge is shared and professional development is supported across both technical and non-technical skillsets.

Join GenomeKey to help build a world where nobody dies from a treatable infection.

Role Responsibilities

We are seeking a constantly curious, highly creative and experienced product-focused microfluidic engineer to join our team! We are particularly interested in candidates who can translate complex biological requirements into robust, manufacturable, and commercially-viable microfluidic devices. You will be working alongside a talented and dedicated team of engineers and scientists working on exciting products with real world, life saving applications.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Applying microfluidics to biosensing and diagnostic applications, including point-of-care testing and lab-on-a-chip devices.
• Planning, managing, and delivering your own projects from concept through to delivery.
• Designing and developing microfluidic devices for low (nL) to high (mL) volume applications using CAD software, various fabrication methods, and test equipment.
• Fabricating microfluidic devices through techniques such as laser micromachining, CNC machining, 3D printing, and diffusion bonding.
• Building test rigs to demonstrate and optimise device design and performance.
• Developing internal capabilities to fabricate devices with new features integrated.
• Implementing automation for high-throughput microfluidic applications.
• Conducting experiments to validate and optimise microfluidic systems, and analysing data for improvements.
• Proactively collaborating with scientists and engineers to integrate microfluidic devices and control systems with other technologies.
• Communicating effectively with team members and stakeholders.

Person Specification

You are a detail-orientated Microfluidic Engineer with a passion for building creative solutions to a range of technical challenges. You have an enthusiasm for designing and fabricating microfluidic devices, and applying microfluidic principles to innovative problem solving. You are passionate about continuous learning, taking the opportunity to embrace working within a mixed scientific team of biologists, engineers and computer scientists, to develop new medical technologies.

You enjoy translating complex ideas between teams with varying technical backgrounds, ensuring clear communication and shared understanding across the business. You will bring a proactive, adaptable approach, embracing the fast-paced, evolving environment of a startup, learning on the job, and rising to new challenges with enthusiasm.

Qualifications & Experience

We are open to varied backgrounds for this role. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every key requirement. If you believe you can succeed in this role, we’d love to hear from you.

Key

• PhD or equivalent level of industrial experience in a scientific or engineering discipline with a specialism in Microfluidics.
• Industry or academic experience with microfluidics in a laboratory setting with in-depth knowledge and experience in the design, fabrication, and operation of microfluidic devices.
• Ability to design and build new fluidic circuit architectures from scratch.
• Proficiency with Fusion360 or similar 3D CAD software.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience in industrial microfluidic prototyping and fabrication methods (e.g., laser micromachining, CNC, diffusion bonding), an understanding of design for manufacture and assembly.
• Ability to independently design & interpret experiments and communicate results to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to plan, schedule, and deliver projects independently.
• Comfortable with a fail-fast, iterative prototyping approach.
• Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience in the fields of life sciences, biotechnology or Medical Devices.
• Knowledge of electrical circuit design, robotics, and fluidic systems.
• Expertise of either genomics, molecular biology, next generation sequencing (NGS), or related fields.
• Ability to integrate MEMS devices with microfluidic platforms.
• Experience in handling living systems in microfluidics chambers.
• Basic programming experience, for example using Python.
• Experience with bacteria handling methods or DNA manipulation techniques.
• Experience with surface modification and/or surface treatment.
• Experience developing products under Design Controls, ideally within an ISO13485-compliant Quality Management System.

We recognise that not every candidate will meet every listed qualification. If you’re excited about this role and believe your background or transferable skills could make you a strong match, we encourage you to apply.

Our Hiring Process

Intro call with hiring manager (15 minutes)

Take-home task (approx. 2hrs)

Role-fit interview (60 minutes)

Final stage (45 minutes)

GenomeKey is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.