Research Associate, Microfluidics & Platform Operations

Ampersand; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 107,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Annual incentive program

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Ampersand in Boston seeks a Microfluidics Microfabrication Engineer specializing in droplet microfluidics for antibody discovery. You will design and optimize microfluidic devices and conduct experiments in a fast-paced environment.

This is a unique opportunity to drive innovation in a collaborative team. The role requires a strong background in microfabrication and CAD design, with responsibilities including cleanroom work and data analysis.

Ampersand offers a competitive salary range of $65,000 - $107,300, alongside comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience with cleanroom-based microfabrication of microfluidics and MEMS devices.
• Demonstrable expertise in PDMS soft lithography.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting microfluidic experiments.

Responsibilities

• Support design, fabrication, and optimization of microfluidic devices.
• Conduct experiments and analyze data to inform development.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to meet project requirements.

Skills

Cleanroom-based microfabrication

2D and 3D CAD design

Microfluidic experiments

Data processing and analysis

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor or Master in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

SolidEdge

Job description

Research Associate, Microfluidics & Platform Operations

Ampersand Biomedicines is a Flagship Pioneering company on a mission to transform patients’ lives with programmed medicines that work precisely where needed, and nowhere else. We’re building a collaborative, mission-driven team that thrives in a fast-paced environment and shares a genuine desire to make a difference. We ACT our values by working with Agility to adapt and deliver impact, leading with Compassion to put people first, and practicing Transparency to build trust through openness, clarity, and integrity. At Ampersand, employees are encouraged to explore breakthrough science, take chances, support one another, and contribute ideas and perspectives openly.

Please note that we are currently located in South Boston and will be moving to Watertown in the summer of 2026.

The Role

Ampersand is actively seeking a talented Microfluidics Microfabrication Engineer with specialization in droplet microfluidic-based single cell assay development in the field of Antibody Discovery. The role will focus on the development of a variety of novel microfluidic devices to facilitate the discovery of rare antibodies at Ultrahigh-throughput using our proprietary microfluidic instrumentation. Level and title will be matched to the candidate’s depth of experience.

As a vital member of our team, you will be primarily responsible for the design, fabrication, and optimization of microfluidic devices that will drive our microfluidics-based antibody discovery platform. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, where you will have the chance to work independently and collaboratively within a highly integrated team. This role will be primarily based on-site, though occasional visits to an external cleanroom facility will be required to microfabricate device masters.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the creation, iteration and establishment of novel microfluidic device designs for antibody discovery applications.
• Perform cleanroom-based manufacture of multi-layer device masters via mask alignment and UV photolithography.
• Develop and optimize PDMS soft lithography device manufacturing methods to improve device yield.
• Fabricate microfluidic devices, maintain and document device stock levels, and perform device quality control characterizations, providing detailed reports which inform decision making and continuous improvement.
• Conduct experiments by operating microfluidic platforms and analyze data to inform iterative process development.
• Troubleshoot device and/or system issues and identify ways to optimize processes.
• Analyze, interpret, document, and communicate results to cross‑functional teams.
• Collaborate with our internal R&D teams to translate project requirements into system specifications.
• Maintain meticulous documentation of designs, cleanroom fabrication protocols, device master quality control (QC) characterizations, and experimental results to ensure traceability and facilitate knowledge transfer.
• Support assay development workflows through reagent preparation, sample preparation, fluorescence‑based readouts, and cell- or bead‑based assay setup for antibody discovery applications.
• Maintain an understanding of the latest research and advancements in the field, fostering innovation within our team.

Required Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master of Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in 2D and 3D CAD design for custom device designs, e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and/or SolidEdge.
• Demonstrable expertise in cleanroom-based microfabrication of microfluidics and/or MEMS devices, including mask alignment, UV photolithography, and PDMS soft lithography.
• Experience with fabricating and quality checking PDMS devices, plus maintaining device and consumable inventories.
• Experience with running and troubleshooting microfluidic experiments, particularly in droplet microfluidics.
• Exposure to surface modification techniques to tailor microchannel properties for biological applications.
• Proficiency in data processing and analysis to enable interpretation of results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively present results and scientific data to team leaders, cross‑functional teams, academic collaborators, or partners.

Preferred Professional Experience & Qualifications

• Exposure to any combination of mask alignment, UV photolithography, imprint lithography, injection molding, metal deposition, wafer dicing, laser ablation, and/or thermal bonding in a cleanroom setting is advantageous.
• Experience with supporting biological assay workflows, including reagent preparation, sample preparation, fluorescence‑based readouts, cell‑based screening workflows, or droplet‑based antibody discovery assays, is advantageous.
• Exposure to library screening or cell line development workflows, including vector cloning, transfection, selection, and expansion.

Ampersand Biomedicines is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

The salary range for this role is $65,000 - $107,300. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience. Ampersand currently offers healthcare coverage, annual incentive program, retirement benefits and a broad range of other benefits. Compensation and benefits information is based on Ampersand’s good faith estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future.