Postdoctoral Fellow Gen Sequencing Systems, Research & Early Development

Position: Postdoctoral Fellow - Next-Gen Sequencing Systems, Research & Early Development
At Roche you can show up as yourself, embraced for the unique qualities you bring. Our culture encourages personal expression, open dialogue, and genuine connections, where you are valued, accepted and respected for who you are, allowing you to thrive both personally and professionally. This is how we aim to prevent, stop and cure diseases and ensure everyone has access to healthcare today and for generations to come.

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The Position

At Roche, we are developing the next-generation of sequencing systems. By accelerating clinical research, streamlining workflows, and expanding assay menus, we are also broadening access to genomic data and lowering barriers to adoption. From robust sample isolation and preparation tools to novel sequencing technology and advanced bioinformatics, we are developing differentiated, highly integrated end-to-end solutions for next-generation sequencing workflows.

We are seeking a talented and highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with a proven track record of excellence in developing novel technology for biological applications. Joining our Systems Technology Group, you will play a major role in the Research and Early Development of new technology, devices, and instruments associated with our next-generation DNA sequencing and molecular diagnostic platforms.

At the heart of these instruments are highly integrated microfluidic systems capable of automating intricate workflows and handling complex biochemistry. To gear up for these ambitious goals, your near-term focus will involve deep, hands-on training with our foundational efforts. You will assist with current projects to master our chemistry, materials, and methods, gaining critical expertise in how we design, fabricate, bond, simulate, operate, characterize, and troubleshoot complex systems and processes.

This is a hands-on, interdisciplinary role designed to bridge the gap between biochemical applications and cutting-edge instrumentation. Collaborating closely with a small, agile team and the broader organization, you will solve challenging problems, invent new technology, and ultimately advance the state-of-the-art in DNA sequencing systems.

The Opportuniity:

• You will design, fabricate, and assemble custom devices, fixtures, and breadboards using various rapid prototyping tools, including custom equipment.
• You will develop and implement microfabrication processes, including photolithography, etching, drilling, bonding, and dicing-and utilize precision metrology instruments to characterize components and evaluate manufacturing methodologies.
• You will create and characterize new materials and bonding methodologies.
• You will test, characterize, and troubleshoot complex fluidic systems and devices. Develop and optimize workflows on these systems while collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to drive technical progress.
• You will generate comprehensive test plans, protocols, technical reports and invention disclosures to document findings and methodology.
• You will select, procure, install, validate, operate, repair, and maintain lab/fab equipment and custom instrumentation.

Who You Are:
(Required)

• You have a Ph.D. in Bioengineering or a closely related discipline with a thesis focused on solving a molecular biology problem with clever engineering.
• You have a solid understanding of physics, engineering, chemistry, molecular biology and sequencing fundamentals.
• You have demonstrated experience with advanced microfabrication techniques (lithography, thin-film deposition, wet/dry etching, and thermal fusion bonding processes).
• You have demonstrated success porting complex biochemical assays or workflows onto novel fluidic systems and optimizing performance using a systematic approach.
• You have a solid publication record, including at least one first-authored and peer-reviewed publication in a top-tier journal.
• You have demonstrated experience with Python scripting for instrument hardware control.
• You have a demonstrated interest regarding market trends; you have a foundational knowledge of our peers work.

Preferred:

• You have experience designing and testing microfluidic systems with active components and integrated sensors.
• You have experience building, operating, and troubleshooting fixtures or breadboards with fluidic, pneumatic, thermal, and optical subsystems.
• You are proficient in operating and interpreting data from analytical instruments (e.g., qPCR, dPCR, Bioanalyzer/Tape Station, Qubit, Nano Drop).
• You have a high-level perspective with the ability to see the bigger picture and a desire to challenge the status quo.
• You are a team player, you have strong problem-solving, judgment and decision-making skills; you are known for your high level of attention to detail at scale in a fast-paced environment.
• You have strong communication skills including the ability to communicate with all levels within the organization; you are hands-on, self-directed, organized, conscientious.
• You have strong time management and…