Scientist/Senior Scientist ​- Microfluidics

Cairn Biosciences is developing next-generation therapeutics that address significant hurdles in the treatment of serious diseases. Cairn’s proprietary drug discovery platform delivers an exclusive view of uncharted routes to new medicines. Our platform visualizes the dynamic, multiscale cellular adaptations that underpin clinical outcomes, generating multidimensional, predictive disease-biology datasets fueling our drug discovery pipeline. Cairn is initially applying this platform to the discovery of next-generation therapeutics to overcome acquired resistance to targeted cancer therapies.

We are seeking an energetic, creative and enthusiastic Scientist/Senior Scientist who will spearhead the advancement of our proprietary microfluidics device that enables the live-cell assaying component of our platform as part of an integral member of a tight-knit multidisciplinary team. You are a highly-motivated, skillful and adaptable engineer/experimentalist with a demonstrated aptitude in developing robust microfluidic devices and interacting with peer scientists to advance novel experimental approaches to reveal new biology. You lead by example and inspire others to relentlessly pursue bold, impactful goals to ultimately unlock new biology and build Cairn Biosciences into a pioneering drug discovery company that transforms the lives of patients.

Key responsibilities:
● Plan, execute, and troubleshoot methodical and efficient development of a robust in-house pipeline of microfluidic devices to support experimental goals.
● Build and maintain custom software, mechanical, electrical, pneumatic systems, and controller elements used for operation of microfluidic components.
● Drive the convergence of ​microfluidic systems and diverse, rapidly evolving cell-based assay technologies into a scalable, integrated platform to unlock new biology and enable target, drug and biomarker discovery.
● Collaborate with broader technical and management teams to define technical objectives and deliver live-cell biological/experimental results that enable decision-making for therapeutic discovery programs.
● Mentor, train, coach and steer junior technical staff and fuel technical team performance.
● Develop SOPs and present findings to internal/external audiences via presentations, reports, invention disclosures and publications.

Requirements:
● M.S./Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, physics, or related scientific discipline with an emphasis in microfluidics. 2+ years of professional industry experience would be a strong plus. Experience managing direct reports is preferred.
● Hands-on experience with polymer microfabrication and chemical micropatterning skills (e.g., SLA 3D printing, hot embossing, injection molding, dry/wet etching, imprint lithography, photolithography, microcontact printing) are required.
● Demonstrated experience in bridging the interface between micro- and macro-fluidic components and devices (e.g., electrical, mechanical and pneumatic control elements, automated fluidic delivery systems, chip-instrument connections), as well as biological systems (e.g., cell culture), ishighly desirable.
● Proven skills in programming (e.g., Python, COMSOL, C++) are required; simulation skills are a plus.
● Experience with microscopy, fluorescence imaging, microfluidic single-cell analyses and particle manipulation strongly preferred.
● Exceptional communication, critical thinking, scientific rigor, and problem-solving skills that promote a
goal-oriented culture while fostering an environment of technical excellence, flexibility and productivity in a fast-paced startup environment.
● Resourceful, can-do, solutions-oriented scientist who is self-motivated to deliver on critical goals that support attainment of company technical and corporate milestones.
● Current US work authorization.

Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your interest and experience to [email protected]. Cairn Biosciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer offering a competitive salary and benefits package.​ ​Note to employment agencies: Please do not forward agency resumes; Cairn Biosciences will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited.