Postdoctoral Fellow - Materials Engineering & Advanced Microfabrication - Next-Gen Sequencing and Diagnostics Systems, Research & Early Development

Roche; California (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Roche is advancing next-generation sequencing systems and molecular diagnostics. We seek a Postdoctoral Fellow to drive development in microfabricated, highly integrated instruments, bridging biochemistry with cutting-edge instrumentation.

You will learn foundational chemistry, materials, and methods while contributing to current projects and collaborating in a small, agile team to push state-of-the-art DNA sequencing capabilities.

Qualifications

• PhD in a chemical or molecular biology related field with materials engineering and microfabrication focus.
• Solid understanding of physics, engineering and chemistry fundamentals.
• Experience with advanced microfabrication techniques (lithography, thin-film deposition, etching, bonding).
• Experience porting biochemical assays onto microfluidic systems and optimizing performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and assemble custom devices and fixtures using rapid prototyping tools.
• Develop and implement microfabrication processes (photolithography, deposition, etching, bonding).
• Create and characterize new materials and bonding methods.
• Test and troubleshoot complex fluidic systems; optimize workflows and analyze data.
• Generate test plans, reports, and invention disclosures documenting findings.
• Procure, install, validate, operate, and maintain lab/instrumentation.

Skills

Python scripting

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Ph.D. in Materials Engineering / Materials Science / Bioengineering / Mechanical/Chemical/Electrical Engineering / Applied Physics / Biophysics / Nanotechnology or related

Tools

Photolithography

Deposition

Etching

Bonding (thermal fusion)

Job description

At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come. Join Roche, where every voice matters.

The Position

A healthier future. It's what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That's what makes us Roche.

At Roche, we are developing the next-generation of sequencing systems. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are also broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated end-to-end solutions for next-generation sequencing workflows.

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with a proven track record of excellence in developing novel technology using advanced materials and microfabrication techniques. Joining our Systems Technology Group, you will play a major role in the Research and Early Development of new technology, devices, and instruments associated with our next-generation DNA sequencing and molecular diagnostic platforms.

At the heart of these instruments are highly integrated microfluidic systems capable of automating intricate workflows and handling complex biochemistry. To gear up for these ambitious goals, your near-time focus will involve deep, hands-on training with our foundational efforts. You will assist with current projects to master our chemistry, materials, and methods, gaining critical expertise in how we design, fabricate, bond, simulate, operate, characterize, and troubleshoot complex systems and processes.

This is a hands-on, interdisciplinary role designed to bridge the gap between biochemical applications and cutting-edge instrumentation. Collaborating closely with a small, agile team and the broader organization, you will solve challenging problems, invent new technology, and ultimately advance the state-of-the-art in DNA sequencing systems.

A cover letter is required for this position.

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and assemble custom devices, fixtures, and breadboards using various rapid prototyping tools, including custom equipment.
• Develop and implement advanced microfabrication processes, including photolithography, deposition, etching, drilling, bonding, and dicing-and utilize precision metrology instruments to characterize components and evaluate manufacturing methodologies.
• Create and characterize new materials and bonding methodologies.
• Test, characterize, and troubleshoot complex fluidic systems and devices. Develop and optimize workflows on these systems while collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive technical progress.
• Generate comprehensive test plans, protocols, technical reports and invention disclosures to document findings and methodology.
• Select, procure, install, validate, operate, repair, and maintain lab/fab equipment and custom instrumentation.

Who You Are:

Required Qualifications

• You have a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Biophysics, Nanotechnology, Micro-Systems Engineering, or a closely related discipline with a thesis focused on solving a chemical or molecular biology problem with clever materials engineering and advanced microfabrication techniques.
• You have a solid understanding of physics, engineering and chemistry fundamentals.
• You have demonstrated experience with advanced microfabrication techniques (lithography, thin-film deposition, wet and dry etching of metals and inorganic materials, and thermal fusion bonding processes).
• You have demonstrated success porting complex chemical or biochemical assays or workflows onto novel fluidic systems and optimizing performance using a systematic approach.
• You have demonstrated experience with Python scripting for instrument hardware control.
• You have a demonstrated passion for science and technology; you have a natural curiosity regarding technical, business, and market trends.
• You have experience setting priorities, working with a sense of urgency and being proactive.

Preferred Qualifications

• You have a solid publication record, including at least one first-authored and peer-reviewed publication in a top-tier journal.
• You have experience designing and testing microfluidic systems with active components and integrated sensors.
• You have exper