R&D Engineer​/Scientist

R&D Engineer/Scientist

Emeryville, CA

Slingshot Biosciences is a fast-growing life sciences company with a platform technology and paradigm-shifting mission to make precision-engineered cell mimics the gold standard for all cell-based assay controls. We are transforming cell-based applications with the most robust, scalable, and reproducible controls available, including Tru Cytes™ Biomarker controls, Spectra Comp® compensation controls, Via Comp® cell health controls, and Flow Cytes® instrument controls.

Our Tru Cytes cell mimics precisely replicate real cells' optical and biochemical properties - without the sourcing, quality, or cost challenges of traditional controls. Trusted in cell-based applications across cell therapy, drug development, and diagnostics, they empower process and analytical development, quality control, potency assessments, multi-site validations, clinical research studies, and assay development and validation.

Slingshot is seeking motivated, creative team members who think outside the box. We empower employees to own their work, contribute ideas quickly, and improve processes. Come join our cross-disciplinary and world-class team that is delivering game-changing solutions for cell-based applications!

Slingshot Bio is seeking an R&D Engineer/Scientist to advance a next-generation, high-throughput polymer manufacturing platform during a focused 3-month engagement. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology at the intersection of hardware engineering, fluidics, chemistry, and materials science.

You'll work alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers, translating experimental insights into meaningful improvements that drive innovation forward. As a key contributor to our R&D efforts, you will design and conduct experiments, troubleshoot complex systems at the lab bench, and translate experimental data into actionable findings.

This position is ideal for a self-motivated individual with strong analytical skills and a passion for hands-on lab work who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Join us at a critical stage of development as we push the boundaries of advanced polymer manufacturing. As an R&D Scientist, you'll have the opportunity to shape a novel high-throughput platform and influence key technical decisions.

This role offers significant ownership, rapid learning, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to technology with potential for long-term impact beyond the initial engagement.

Location:

This is an on-site position based in Emeryville, California. Contract Length:
This is a 3-month contract position.

• Benchwork & Experiments
• Design and conduct rigorous wet lab experiments to characterize system behavior, fluid dynamics, and outputs.
• Execute hands-on experiments to optimize, test, and refine our polymer manufacturing system.
• Systems & Instrumentation
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot laboratory hardware, fluidic components, and analytical instrumentation.
• Work directly with pumps, sensors, and fluidic components to diagnose and resolve system issues.
• Data Analysis
• Analyze complex scientific data sets to present actionable findings.
• Apply statistical evaluation methods to assess experimental results and guide optimization decisions.
• Documentation & Safety
• Maintain meticulous laboratory records and documentation in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Adhere to best practices for laboratory safety at all times.

• BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
• 1+ years of hands-on research experience, including independent experiments at the laboratory bench.
• Strong grasp of fluid mechanics, polymer chemistry, and materials science
• High level of comfort working and designing hands-on with physical scientific hardware, pumps, sensors, and fluidic components.
• Capabilities in scientific data analysis and statistical evaluation of experimental results.
• Prior experience with emulsions, colloidal stability, surfactants, hydrogels, microfluidics, or precision fluidic systems.
• Familiarity with…