Job Description

Location

: On-site working at our state of the art labs in Bristol, UK.

Start Date

: November/December 2025.

Eligibility

: Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this role.

Company:

GenomeKey is a Bristol based biotech startup developing a next-generation diagnostic device for bloodstream infections, using machine learning and DNA sequencing.

Within GenomeKey we provide an encouraging environment where knowledge is shared and professional development is supported across both technical and non-technical skillsets.

Join GenomeKey to help build a world where nobody dies from a treatable infection.

Role Responsibilities:

We are seeking a constantly curious, highly creative and experienced microfluidic engineer to join our team! Ideally you will have previous experience developing a range of microfluidic devices. You will be working alongside a talented and dedicated team of engineers and scientists working on exciting products with real world, life saving applications.

Your responsibilities will include:

Applying microfluidics to biosensing and diagnostic applications, including point-of-care testing and lab-on-a-chip devices. Planning, managing, and delivering your own projects from concept through to delivery. Designing and developing microfluidic devices for low (nL) to high (mL) volume applications using CAD software, various fabrication methods, and test equipment. Fabricating microfluidic devices through techniques such as laser micromachining, CNC machining, 3D printing, and diffusion bonding. Building test rigs to demonstrate and optimise device design and performance. Developing internal capabilities to fabricate devices with new features integrated. Implementing automation for high-throughput microfluidic applications. Conducting experiments to validate and optimise microfluidic systems, and analysing data for improvements. Proactively collaborating with scientists and engineers to integrate microfluidic devices and control systems with other technologies. Communicating effectively with team members and stakeholders.

Person Specification:

You are a detail-orientated Microfluidic Engineer with a passion for building creative solutions to a range of technical challenges. You have an enthusiasm for designing and fabricating microfluidic devices, and applying microfluidic principles to innovative problem solving. You are passionate about continuous learning, taking the opportunity to embrace working within a mixed scientific team of biologists, engineers and computer scientists, to develop new medical technologies.

You enjoy translating complex ideas between teams with varying technical backgrounds, ensuring clear communication and shared understanding across the business. You will bring a proactive, adaptable approach, embracing the fast-paced, evolving environment of a startup, learning on the job, and rising to new challenges with enthusiasm.

Qualifications & Experience:

We are open to varied backgrounds for this role but are looking for candidates who bring most of the following essential, along with some desirable, skills and experiences:

Essential:

PhD or equivalent level of industrial experience in a scientific discipline with a specialism in Microfluidics. Industry or academic experience with microfluidics in a laboratory setting with in-depth knowledge and experience in the design, fabrication, and operation of microfluidic devices. Ability to design and build new fluidic circuit architectures from scratch Proficiency with Fusion360 or similar CAD software Strong microfluidic prototyping and fabrication skills with an understanding of design for manufacture and assembly Ability to independently design & interpret experiments and communicate results to both internal and external stakeholders. Proven ability to plan, schedule, and deliver projects independently. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Comfortable with a fail-fast, iterative prototyping approach. Adaptability and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.

Desirable:

Experience in the fields of life sciences, biotechnology or Medical Devices. Knowledge of electrical circuit design, robotics, and fluidic systems. Expertise of either genomics, molecular biology, next generation sequencing (NGS), or related fields Ability to integrate MEMS devices with microfluidic platforms. Experience in handling living systems in microfluidics chambers. Basic programming experience, for example using Python Experience with bacteria handling methods or DNA manipulation techniques Experience with surface modification and/or surface treatment Experience developing products under Design Controls, ideally within an ISO13485-compliant Quality Management System.
We recognise that not every candidate will meet every listed qualification. If you're excited about this role and believe your background or transferable skills could make you a strong match, we encourage you to apply.

Our Hiring Process

Intro call with hiring manager (15 minutes) Take-home task Role-fit interview (60 minutes) Final stage (45 minutes)
GenomeKey is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know

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Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person