Microfluidic Engineer (Electrokinetic Systems)

Qabird; Leiden; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

EXIT071 seeks a Microfluidic Engineer to plan and execute experimental validation of electrically-driven microfluidic chips. You will build robust lab setups, run structured test campaigns, and translate results into clear performance metrics.

The role requires comfort with applied electric fields and spearheading troubleshooting and documentation. This hands-on position carries strong ownership over the lab, protocols, and data, with opportunities to contribute to SOPs and impact product

Qualifications

• Hands-on microfluidic testing experience.
• Experience assembling and troubleshooting microfluidic setups.
• Experience with microfluidic pumps and flow-control hardware.
• Experience with applied electric fields in microfluidics.
• Strong wet-lab fundamentals and documentation.
• Data analysis using Python or MATLAB and clear communication of results.

Responsibilities

• Build, operate, and maintain microfluidic experimental setups end-to-end.
• Independently execute test campaigns on microfluidic chips under electric fields.
• Work with microfluidic pumping and flow-control systems.
• Prepare and manage experimental reagents and maintain traceability.
• Perform precise liquid handling and maintain good lab hygiene.
• Develop, follow, and calibrate test protocols and SOPs.
• Set up measurement/readout tools and ensure traceable data collection.
• Analyze results and summarize performance with clear KPIs.
• Troubleshoot issues and implement practical countermeasures.
• Communicate findings through concise reports and records.

Skills

Microfluidic testing

Data analysis (Python/Matlab)

Troubleshooting lab setups

Documentation & reporting

Education

MSc or PhD (or equivalent) in Biomedical Eng./Mechanical Eng./Electrical Eng./Applied Physics/Chemistry

Tools

Elvesys pumps

VICI pumps

Harvard Apparatus

Chemyx pumps

Python

MATLAB

COMSOL Multiphysics

Job description

About EXIT071

EXIT071 is a fast-growing deep-tech startup developing a patented electrokinetic microfluidic technology for exosome analysis and liquid biopsy applications. Originating from research at Leiden University, our technology addresses one of the key bottlenecks in exosome and extracellular vesicle analysis. Following a recent investment round, we are expanding our team to accelerate technology development and bring our platform from the lab into real-world use. Based at the Leiden Bio Science Park, we combine strong scientific foundations with a clear focus on robust, scalable solutions.

About the role

We are looking for a Microfluidic Engineer to plan and execute experimental validation of electrically-driven microfluidic chips. Your focus will be on building robust microfluidic setups, running structured test campaigns, and translating results into clear performance metrics. The systems involve electrical actuation in microchannels (for example, electrokinetic transport and isotachophoresis-type workflows), so you should be comfortable working with applied electric fields and validating electrokinetic behaviour experimentally.

This is a hands-on role with strong ownership of the lab setup, troubleshooting, and documentation.

Key responsibilities

• Build, operate, and maintain microfluidic experimental setups end-to-end: tubing and fittings, chip holders, reservoirs, connectors, leak-free interfacing, and electrical connections.
• Independently execute test campaigns on microfluidic chips under applied electric fields: stability, repeatability, robustness, and performance benchmarking.
• Work confidently with microfluidic pumping and flow-control systems, including pressure-based pumps and syringe pumps (e.g., Elvesys systems, VICI pumps, syringe pumps or equivalent).
• Prepare and manage experimental reagents: make basic aqueous solutions and buffers, adjust pH, perform dilutions, filter/degas when needed, and maintain good labelling and traceability.
• Perform precise liquid handling (pipetting, aliquoting, sample prep), and apply good laboratory practices to avoid contamination and variability.
• Develop, improve, and follow test protocols and SOPs, including calibration routines (flow/pressure checks, current and voltage monitoring, bubble management, cleaning and conditioning).
• Set up measurement/readout tools as needed (microscopy/fluorescence imaging, electrical readouts, basic sensors) and ensure traceable data collection.
• Analyze results and summarize performance with clear KPIs (throughput, stability, reproducibility, enrichment/separation performance, failure modes).
• Troubleshoot issues quickly (clogging, bubbles, adsorption, electrical instability, Joule heating, drift), identify root causes, and implement practical countermeasures.
• Communicate findings through concise reports and clear experimental records (chip revision tracking, conditions, raw data, conclusions, next steps).

Required qualifications

• MSc or PhD (or equivalent experience) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemistry/Analytical Sciences, or similar.
• Proven hands-on experience in microfluidic testing, including independently assembling and troubleshooting setups.
• Demonstrated experience with microfluidic pumps and flow-control hardware (pressure controllers and/or syringe pumps; familiarity with Elvesys, VICI, Harvard Apparatus, Chemyx, or similar is a plus).
• Experience with microfluidic systems involving applied electric fields (electrokinetic phenomena, electrode interfacing, voltage/current monitoring, safe lab practices).
• Strong wet-lab fundamentals: preparing basic solutions/buffers, pH adjustment, accurate pipetting and dilutions, and good lab hygiene and documentation.
• Strong experimental discipline: protocol thinking, controls, repeatability, and structured documentation.
• Data analysis skills (Python or Matlab preferred) and ability to communicate results clearly.

Nice-to-have (preferred)

• Multiphysics simulation experience for microfluidic devices with applied electric fields (COMSOL Multiphysics or equivalent), used to interpret results or plan experiments.
• Familiarity with isotachophoresis, electrophoresis, electroosmosis, preconcentration, or ion-concentration polarization concepts.
• Experience with automated testing, instrument control, and data logging.
• Exposure to chip materials and practical constraints (glass/silicon, polymers, bonding, surface treatments).

What success looks like

• Reliable, repeatable test setups that can run day-to-day with clear SOPs.
• High-quality datasets that quantify chip performance and robustness across operating conditions.
• Fast troubleshooting cycles and clear feedback that improve overall system performance.

What EXIT071 offers

Build core deep-tech

Work hands-on with EXIT071’s patented electrokinetic microfluidic platform, developed at Leiden University and now being scaled into a real product for exosome and liquid biopsy applications.

Join at a growth moment

Following a recent investment round, EXIT071 is expanding its team and accelerating technology development — offering both momentum and stability in a growing startup.

Real impact & ownership

Your work directly influences system performance, robustness, and product direction, with clear scientific and biomedical relevance.

Room to grow

The role can evolve with your strengths as the company scales, with opportunities to take on broader technical or leadership responsibilities

Strong ecosystem

Based at the Leiden Bio Science Park within a highly collaborative, multinational & interdisciplinary team.