Roche

Postdoctoral Fellow - Materials Engineering & Advanced Microfabrication - Next-Gen Sequencing and Diagnostics Systems, Research & Early Development

Roche$100K — $106K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline focusing on materials and microfabrication.
  • Strong foundation in physics, engineering, and chemistry principles.
  • Experience in advanced microfabrication techniques, including various deposition and bonding processes.
  • Proven track record of optimizing chemical assays onto fluidic systems systematically.
  • Python scripting experience for instrumentation control.
  • Passion for science and technology, with a curiosity for market and technical trends.
  • Capacity for proactive problem-solving and managing priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

  • Design, fabricate, and assemble custom microfluidic devices using rapid prototyping.
  • Develop advanced microfabrication processes and characterize components with precision metrology.
  • Create and characterize innovative materials and bonding methods.
  • Test and troubleshoot complex fluidic systems, optimizing workflow and analyzing data.
  • Document findings through comprehensive test plans and reports.
  • Manage lab equipment and custom instrumentation including procurement and maintenance.

Benefits

  • Access to competitive salaries and fully funded research expenses.
  • Opportunities for world-class research and publication in top-tier journals.
  • Mentorship and support for developing into an independent scientific investigator.
  • Connection to Genentech Postdoc Program for enhanced networking and seminar access.
Full Job Description
The Position

A healthier future. It's what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That's what makes us Roche.

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 using advanced materials and microfabrication techniques. 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.

A cover letter is required for this position.

Your Role and Responsibilities:

  • Design, fabricate, and assemble custom devices, fixtures, and breadboards using various rapid prototyping tools, including custom equipment.
  • Develop and implement advanced microfabrication processes, including photolithography, deposition, etching, drilling, bonding, and dicing-and utilize precision metrology instruments to characterize components and evaluate manufacturing methodologies.
  • Create and characterize new materials and bonding methodologies.
  • 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.
  • Generate comprehensive test plans, protocols, technical reports and invention disclosures to document findings and methodology.
  • Select, procure, install, validate, operate, repair, and maintain lab/fab equipment and custom instrumentation.


Who You Are:

Required Qualifications

  • You have a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering, Materials Science, Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Biophysics, Nanotechnology, Micro-Systems Engineering, or a closely related discipline with a thesis focused on solving a chemical or molecular biology problem with clever materials engineering and advanced microfabrication techniques.
  • You have a solid understanding of physics, engineering and chemistry fundamentals.
  • You have demonstrated experience with advanced microfabrication techniques (lithography, thin-film deposition, wet and dry etching of metals and inorganic materials, and thermal fusion bonding processes).
  • You have demonstrated success porting complex chemical or biochemical assays or workflows onto novel fluidic systems and optimizing performance using a systematic approach.
  • You have demonstrated experience with Python scripting for instrument hardware control.
  • You have a demonstrated passion for science and technology; you have a natural curiosity regarding technical, business, and market trends.
  • You have experience setting priorities, working with a sense of urgency and being proactive


Preferred Qualifications:

  • You have a solid publication record, including at least one first-authored and peer-reviewed publication in a top-tier journal.
  • 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 have a demonstrated level of proficiency in operating and interpreting data from analytical instruments (e.g., qPCR, dPCR, Bioanalyzer/TapeStation, Qubit, NanoDrop).
  • You have a solid understanding of molecular biology and sequencing fundamentals.
  • You have experience work with complex problems, the demonstrated ability to see the bigger picture and a desire to challenge the status quo.


About Roche Diagnostic's Postdoctoral Program:

Elevate your research career to new heights with Roche Diagnostic's Postdoctoral Program! Join a prestigious community of early career researchers and kick start your journey toward becoming a scientific leader in biotechnology and bioengineering. With competitive salaries and fully funded research expenses, you can dedicate yourself to groundbreaking research that aligns with Roche Diagnostics' strategic ambitions.

Our program is designed to empower recent PhD graduates to conduct world-class research, publish in top-tier journals, and network within our robust scientific community. By joining us, you will receive the mentorship and support necessary to develop into an independent scientific investigator. As an added benefit, our program will be tied into the long-standing Genentech Postdoc Program with access to world class seminars and networking opportunities with leading scientists. Apply now to Roche Diagnostic's Postdoctoral Program and unlock your full potential!

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Santa Clara, CA is $100,000 - $106,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

This position is based onsite in Santa Clara, CA.

Relocation benefits are not provided for this role.

This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below:

Roche Benefits

#RMS2026NGS

About Roche

Roche Holding AG is a Swiss multinational healthcare company that operates worldwide under two divisions: Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics. Its holding company, Roche Holding AG, has bearer shares listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The company headquarters are located in Basel. Roche is the largest pharmaceutical company in the world, and the leading provider of cancer treatments globally. The company also produces a range of diagnostic tests for medical professionals and patients. Roche was one of the first companies to bring targeted treatments to patients. In 2019, Roche had over 100,000 employees worldwide, and generated revenue of CHF 61.5 billion.
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