Scientist, Microfluidics - Pathogen

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job description

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Oxford tackles humanity’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas like health, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, clean energy, and AI-driven government innovation, EIT Oxford blends groundbreaking research with practical applications to deliver lasting results.

A cornerstone of EIT Oxford’s mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in 2027. This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford. It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.

The Pathogen Mission highlights EIT’s transformative approach, using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Oracle’s cloud technology to create a global pathogen metagenomics system. This initiative aims to improve diagnostics, provide early epidemic warnings, and guide treatments by profiling antimicrobial resistance. The goal is to deliver certified diagnostic tools for widespread use in labs, hospitals, and public health.

EIT Oxford fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity’s enduring challenges.

We are seeking a Scientist, Microfluidics to support the research and product development of EIT Oxford's Pathogen Programme. The lab-based role involves designing, fabricating, and testing microfluidic flow cells for the extraction of DNA and other relevant biological substances from microbial pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other eukaryotes) from clinical and other sources to inform the diagnosis and treatment of infectious disease in humans. The role will involve working with other scientists and engineers in small teams to deliver the project milestones.

The postholder includes prototyping fluidic array structures for the movement of small fluid volumes between reaction and purification chambers, fabrication of these arrays for evaluation purposes, designing and performing tests to evaluate the performance of the microfluidic array for DNA extraction and manipulation. In addition, working with external partners to assist in the scale-up of successful array designs. Ideal candidates will have expertise in microfluidics, MEMs fabrication, analytical chemistry, and assay development. In addition, they will have a track record of working with small, innovative teams to test, iterate, and embed new capabilities. Experience working with biological samples and DNA would be beneficial.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive the design, development, and optimisation of microfluidic systems for DNA extraction from biosamples, and the subsequent purification and DNA manipulation.
• Design and execute experiments for device characterisation, fluid dynamics analysis, and performance validation.
• Translate product requirements into technical specifications for microfluidic components.
• Implement protocols for fabrication, assembly, and testing of microfluidic devices.
• Mentor junior scientists and engineers; provide technical guidance and project leadership.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation, including patents and technical disclosures.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for internal stakeholders and external collaborators.

Qualifications & Experience:

• PhD or equivalent in Engineering, Physics, Bioengineering, or related field with specialisation in microfluidics, MEMS, or lab-on-a-chip systems.
• Deep understanding of microfluidic principles, including fluid dynamics, laminar flow, diffusion, and surface tension effects in microscale systems.
• Hands-on experience with microfabrication techniques such as soft lithography, photolithography, CNC micro milling, injection moulding, or 3D microprinting.
• Proven ability to design and execute experiments to characterize microfluidic systems (e.g., flow profiling, pressure measurements, mixing efficiency, droplet generation).
• Skilled in integrating microfluidics with sensors, optics, electronics, or automation platforms.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Familiarity with biological or biochemical applications in microfluidics (e.g., single-cell analysis, droplet microfluidics, bead handling, point-of-care diagnostics, organ-on-chip).
• Experience in troubleshooting and optimizing fluidic workflows in complex systems.
• Familiarity with microscopy and imaging techniques relevant to microfluidics (e.g., fluorescence, brightfield, confocal).
• Experience of developing technologies within regulatory frameworks for in vitro diagnostics within the UK, EU, or USA.

We offer the following salary and benefits:

• Salary:
• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electrical Car Scheme

Why work for EIT:

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!

Terms of Appointment:

You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary.

You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford.

During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme.