Principal Scientist (Job Code 2008-12RG)

U.S. Genomics is seeking highly motivated Scientists to work in a multi-disciplinary team on an advanced product development program for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). U.S. Genomics has been awarded an $8.6 million Phase III contract by DHS Science and Technology Directorate to continue development of the Company's sophisticated biological sensor for biodefense applications. Under the 12-month Phase III contract under the Bioagent Autonomous Networked Detectors (BAND) program, U.S. Genomics will complete prototype development of its system for the detection and identification of airborne pathogens using its DNA mapping technology. The contract award follows the successful completion of a $7.5 million Phase I and a $16.2 million Phase II BAND contracts.

Founded in 1997, U.S. Genomics is located in Woburn, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit www.usgenomics.com.

 

The primary duty of the Principal Scientist will be to coordinate research, design, development, and production of laboratory-on-chip (LOC) and microfluidic devices. The chips are manufactured of polymers, fused silica, or PDMS. They employ electrokinetic and hydrodynamic transport of biomolecules through 1-20 micron multiple-depth structures and are used for single-molecule detection.

 

The successful candidate will supervise a team consisting of groups of researchers and engineers as well as external contractors. He or she will be expected to simultaneously manage multiple designs through the various stages of development, and support several versions which are already in use within the company.  The demand for chips is driven by multiple deadlines.

 

This position reports to the Vice President/Advanced Platform Research and is located in Woburn, MA.

 

Specific duties:

·  Interface with Research, Engineering, and Application groups across the organization, in order to foresee and address development and manufacturing needs

·  Organize microfluidic device research, development, and fabrication

·  Lead and direct troubleshooting

·  Participate in preparation of proposals, write reports, and make presentations to senior management, vendors and collaborators

 

Background: A background in Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, Microfluidics, Physical Chemistry, or Physics is expected; however, candidates with other relevant backgrounds will be consideredA PhD degree and 5+ years of postdoctoral research experience, preferably in the life sciences fieldProven leadership and project management skills, with consistent success in driving projects to completion Track record of successful R&D or instrument development projects

 

Required skills:Characterization and troubleshooting of microfluidic systems and analytical instrumentation, especially during early developmentCapability of analysis of complex systems – attention to detail is a must Experience with micro-fabrication techniques (glass, polymer, PDMS).Familiarity with microscopy and optical detection, especially with fluorescence Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and under schedule pressure

 

Desired skills:Single-molecule detection Knowledge of biochemical and molecular biology techniquesPolymer physics and molecular biophysicsFirst-hand experience in MEMS and microfluidics. The ability to analyze electric fields, heat transfer, and fluid flow in microfluidic devices