Senior Scientist - Technology

Company Overview

Sphere Fluidics is an established Life Science company which provides instruments and specialist consumables for the global pharmaceutical and academic research community. The company has recently raised £26M in investment. We are growing quickly and have impressive plans requiring new and exciting skill-sets and global capabilities to support this period of growth.

The Role

The R&D department is now looking to recruit a Senior Scientist to join R&D team working on the research and development of novel materials, new workflows and cell detection/sensing approaches for cell-based applications. The successful candidate will work in a multi-disciplinary team on a range of exciting and leading-edge projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in a small team.
• Contribute expert knowledge and skills in areas pertinent to microdroplet technology and applications.
• Develop and implement novel materials and reagents, derivatives of various forms of microdroplets, and new workflows into Sphere picodroplet microfluidic systems and products.
• Effective liaison across all R&D teams, as well as the Company Commercial and Operation departments.
• Manage and support agreed projects aligned to meet the Company’s R&D strategy and needs.
• Develop technical specifications for new products.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• PhD in materials science, nanotechnology, engineering, biochemistry, cell biology, immunobiology, or other related fields with minimum 3 years of post-PhD track record of research or industrial experience.
• Strong background in physics, mechanical engineering, mass spectrometry, impedance spectroscopy is advantageous.

Proven experience in two or more of the following areas is essential:

• Microfluidics, acousto-fluidics or opto-fluidics, micro-magnetofluidics.
• Mass spectroscopy, impedance, image analysis, cyclic voltammetry, NMR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy related to biomolecule detection and screening.
• Lipid chemistry and application including synthesis of lipid vesicles/nanoparticles, functionalization with biomolecules, drug encapsulation and screening etc.
• Real-time microdroplet imaging and high throughput processing and analysis using microscopy.
• On-chip cell imaging and manipulation techniques including acousto-force microscopy, micro-rheology, magneto-twisting cytometry, nano/micro particle tracking, micro-plate stretching etc.
• Miniaturized electrode design on flexible substrates by printing or other techniques.
• Knowledge in cell-based assay techniques (spheroid/organoid on a chip, microbead-based tissue scaffolds, drug testing etc) is desirable.
• Knowledge of medicinal chemistry and related compounds including silicone oils, herbal extracts and their application to cell therapies.
• Experience in microdroplet generation, double emulsion, fluid dynamics is desirable but not essential.

Personal Attributes

• Proven leadership skills.
• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Effective communication and presentation skills are essential.
• Ability to work and deliver tasks within a set timeline is essential.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively is essential.

The successful candidate will work in a multi-disciplinary team and should be enthusiastic, collaborative and exhibit excellent communication skills.

The Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Employee Share Options (EMI Scheme).
• Company pension scheme with Aviva (employer contributes 8%).
• 4x Life Insurance & Critical Illness Cover.
• Private Medical Insurance with Vitality.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Group Income Protection.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Learning & Development opportunities for career growth.
• Long Service bonus – up to 5 extra days holiday.
• Recruitment referral scheme (£1,000).
• Flexible working hours to support work-life balance.

Sphere Fluidics strives to be an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce and follow the guidelines of the Equality Act.