Research Assistant position in biomedical engineering with focus on microfluidics

Uppsala Universitet; Uppsala kommun; On-site; SEK 390,600 - 502,200; Full time

Job summary

Uppsala Universitet is hiring a Research Assistant in biomedical engineering with a focus on microfluidics. The position, based in Uppsala, is a temporary full-time role for 8 months starting in September 2026 or as agreed. The successful candidate will design and develop a microfluidic prototype, helping advance research in the field.

Key qualifications include a Master's degree in a relevant engineering field and experience with microfluidic platforms. Proficiency in English and strong analytical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering physics, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with microfluidics and managing fluidic and electronic interfaces.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Design and build an automated droplet-microfluidic prototype.
• Develop user-friendly graphical interfaces and analysis pipelines.
• Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Building experimental microfluidic platforms

Microscopy and/or optics for data collection

LabView or MATLAB

Proficiency in written and oral English

Analytical skills

Education

Master’s degree in relevant engineering field

Job description

Research Assistant position in biomedical engineering with focus on microfluidics

Uppsala University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Temporary full‑time position for 8 months starting in September 2026 or as agreed upon at the division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University

About the department

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be a productive environment for research and education, focusing on materials solutions for societal challenges. It hosts seven research divisions, including the Division of Biomedical Engineering, which explores the interaction of materials with biological systems to understand fundamental principles and translate findings into clinical applications.

The Division of Biomedical Engineering is part of the Ångström Laboratory. The interdisciplinary research group EMBLA, led by Professor Maria Tenje, specializes in organs‑on‑chip and droplet‑based microfluidics, with collaborations across Swedish and international universities and significant research funding from the Knut och Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the European Research Council. We are now seeking a results‑oriented research assistant to develop a fully integrated, user‑friendly prototype for high‑resolution (HR) detection of heteroresistance in clinical settings.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, and characterize an automated droplet‑microfluidic prototype with stable temperature control, easy sample loading, automated fluidic perfusion, and optical detection.
• Develop a user‑friendly graphical interface and integrated image‑analysis pipeline enabling staff with minimal training to operate the system and extract assay results.
• Participate in the communication of research outcomes through scientific articles in peer‑reviewed journals.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering physics, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, or an equivalent field.
• Documented knowledge and experience in building experimental microfluidic platforms, managing chip‑to‑world fluidic and electronic interfaces, microscopy and/or optics for data collection, and software control of experimental equipment (e.g., LabView, MATLAB).
• Proficiency in written and oral English.
• Meritorious background in microfabrication and microsystems engineering, microbiology and antibiotic resistance, medical technology, or basic understanding of regulatory pathways and documentation.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, with strong analytical skills, practical handling of experimental equipment, and the ability to plan and run projects independently.
• Pedagogical, structured, and collaborative, capable of working effectively in both individual and group settings and across different disciplines.

Employment details

• Full‑time, 8‑month contract (100 % scope) starting September 2026 or as agreed upon.
• Placement: Uppsala.
• Salary information will be provided before an initial interview.
• Position may be subject to security vetting; successful completion of the vetting process is required for employment.

Please submit your application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system by 12 August 2026 (UFV‑PA 2026/1987).

Contact: Professor Maria Tenje ([e-mail]) or Dr Sagar Agnihotri ([e-mail]).