Chip Development Scientist Oxford 2024
Oxford Nanopore Technologies is headquartered at the Oxford Science Park outside Oxford, UK, with satellite offices and a commercial presence in many global locations across the US, APAC and Europe.
Oxford Nanopore employs from multiple subject areas including nanopore science, molecular biology and applications, informatics, engineering, electronics, manufacturing and commercialisation. The management team, led by CEO Dr Gordon Sanghera, has a track record of delivering disruptive technologies to the market.
Oxford Nanopore’s sequencing platform is the only technology that offers real-time analysis, in fully scalable formats from pocket to population scale, that can analyse native DNA or RNA and sequence any length of fragment to achieve short to ultra-long read lengths. Our goal is to enable the analysis of any living thing, by anyone, anywhere!
We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join the Chip Development Team as a Chip Development Scientist.
The role
The successful candidate will support improvement of the main ONT chip platforms through flowcell assessment and bespoke chip testing. A background in relevant laboratory techniques will enable control and improvement of both testing platform and chips.
You will be responsible for carrying out and analysing lab or clean room based experiments to characterise and improve performance of ONT chip platforms. Relevant laboratory knowledge will enable you to comprehensively understand and improve both existing and upcoming products.
The remit of the successful candidate will include
- Assembly of chips into flowcells, suitable for standard and non-standard electrical testing
- Non-electrical characterisation of chips and flowcells, e.g. using optical / confocal microscopy, SEM, EDX and other relevant analytical techniques
- Electrical testing of sensor chips on ONT devices
- Data analysis around relevant aspects of electrical testing, i.e. membrane formation and its characteristics, as well as pore insertion and dry electrical connections
- Providing a keen eye for detail, both in chip development related experiments as well as in manufacturing workflows, to identify weaknesses and improvement opportunities
- Reporting and presenting findings in a concise and clear manner
What we're looking for
We are looking for a Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or similar graduate, ideally with some background in relevant skills as per above.
Dexterity in hands-on laboratory work would be advantageous. Experience in working with MEMS structures, and an appreciation of how the surface properties of such materials affect typical electrochemical / microfluidic systems, are beneficial.
Regular interaction with the Research, Production and Engineering teams is important to the post, so good communication and presentation skills are essential.
Training will be given and, as such, a willingness to learn and develop is essential.
Applications are encouraged from highly motivated individuals who enjoy taking on new challenges, are quickly adaptable in an exciting and fast-paced environment, and who perform well under pressure.
We offer outstanding benefits to include an attractive bonus, generous pension contributions, private healthcare and an excellent starting salary. Based within beautiful, landscaped surroundings with tree-lined walks, water features and a lake, all of which make for a wonderful working environment.
If you are looking to utilise your skills to really make a difference to humankind, then consider joining our team and apply today!