Principal Surface Chemist
Santa Clara, USA IT development
Job description
The Position
We are seeking a Principal Surface Chemist to lead the complex consumable device development team in developing surface and interface test methods and specifications on microfluidic devices to enable a novel diagnostic nanopore-based next generation sequencing workflow. The chosen candidate will have an opportunity to contribute directly to the long term success of the sequencing platform through investigation of polymer materials, liquid reagents, and their solid-liquid interface. This candidate will develop deep knowledge of the sequencing workflow and the impact of surface and interface on sequencing performance.
Responsibilities:
Develop test/QC methods for microfluidic devices’ polymeric/inorganic surface and interface.
Partner with the chemistry teams to understand solid surface (polymers and electrodes) interactions with sequencing reagents and their impact on sequencing performance.
Define solid and liquid surface/interface specifications and critical to quality attributes to ensure optimized and consistent sequencing performance.
Establish surface chemistry, microscopy, and analytical methods to measure and optimize functional loading uniformity and stability.
Lead strategies development and implementation to optimize critical component surfaces and materials through coatings and functionalization during manufacturing processes and/or in-situ pre-sequencing process.
Define and develop on-station pre-sequencing test methods to establish correlation between surface properties and sequencing performance and monitor complex consumables on-station quality.
Development and execution of statistically sound experimentation, characterization and data analysis.
Support high-priority tasks across the development efforts as needed.
Effectively communicating findings to different teams/functions across the entire project organization.
Qualifications
Masters + 7 years, PhD (strongly preferred) + 3 years in Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Engineering, or Natural Science major preferred.
Strong understanding of surface science and analyses such as XPS, Auger Spectroscopy, AFM, TOF-SIMS, Ellipsometry, Surface Energy/Contact Angle Goniometry and other relevant methods.
Expert knowledge of chemistry techniques used for nucleic acid/enzyme/other biomolecules manipulation on solid surface/interface, surface chemistry functionalization/synthesis/coating, and application of molecular moiety surface treatments to modulate biomolecule interactions and fluidic device surface modifications.
Knowledge and hands-on experience in optimization of functionalization chemistry of solid supports to improve the yield, efficiency, and stability.
Hands-on experience working with a wide range of materials and complex microstructures: organic, inorganic, porous, solid, etc.
Proficiency or strong desire to learn Python, SQL, R, JMP or similar data analysis and programming languages to manipulate data and draw insights from large data sets.
Knowledge and experience in statistical techniques and concepts (regression, properties of distributions, statistical tests and proper usage, etc).
Willing to train and mentor team members to enable best practices.
Ideal candidate would have experience with design of complex electro-mechanical devices, preferably of a microfluidic, biological lab-on-chip purpose.
Creative problem solving skills with an emphasis on product development.
Ability to work independently and with others as a team.
Exceptional detail-oriented execution of job function required.
Strong communication skills in a large project and cross multiple functions setup.
Previous nanopore-based sequencing experience is a plus.
Relocation benefits are not offered for this role. The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Santa Clara, CA is $123,120 and $161,595. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed here: Benefits
Who we are
At Roche, more than 100,000 people across 100 countries are pushing back the frontiers of healthcare. Working together, we’ve become one of the world’s leading research-focused healthcare groups. Our success is built on innovation, curiosity and diversity.
Roche is an equal opportunity employer and strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination based upon an individual’s race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin/ancestry, age, mental/physical disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.