KTP Associate: Microfluidics Manufacturing Scientist

Please note that this an opportunity for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the University of Glasgow and Sphere Fluidics.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 years.

The James Watt School of Engineering are looking to recruit a KTP Associate: Microfluidics Manufacturing Scientist to deliver a project to develop rapid-prototyping methods for manufacture of microfluidic chips used for life-sciences R+D.

Current rapid-prototyping methods for microfluidics are based on casting materials such as PDMS.  While quick and relatively simple, the chips are non-rigid leading to geometric inconsistency and the process cannot be scaled for mass manufacture.  At the other end of the scale, injection moulding of microfluidic chips for mass manufacture is well established: but it is expensive and time consuming due to the tooling needed.

This project aims to develop a new rapid-prototyping method that gives both short lead times for new chips and uses high-accuracy, rigid materials that can be produced in quantity.  Delivering this capability can significantly improve the ability of industry to respond to user needs in life sciences R+D and supply new products more quickly at lower cost.

This post is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the University of Glasgow and Sphere Fluidics. It offers an exciting opportunity to work closely between academia and industry whilst developing your skills to run and manage projects.

It is expected that the successful candidate will contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research presentations as well as establish new techniques in industry.  They will also manage this complex and challenging project to a successful conclusion.