Slingshot Bio is seeking an R&D Engineer/Scientist to advance a next-generation, high-throughput polymer manufacturing platform during a focused 3-month engagement. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology at the intersection of hardware engineering, fluidics, chemistry, and materials science.
You'll work alongside a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers, translating experimental insights into meaningful improvements that drive innovation forward. As a key contributor to our R&D efforts, you will design and conduct experiments, troubleshoot complex systems at the lab bench, and translate experimental data into actionable findings.
This position is ideal for a self-motivated individual with strong analytical skills and a passion for hands-on lab work who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Join us at a critical stage of development as we push the boundaries of advanced polymer manufacturing. As an R&D Scientist, you'll have the opportunity to shape a novel high-throughput platform and influence key technical decisions. This role offers significant ownership, rapid learning, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to technology with potential for long-term impact beyond the initial engagement.
Location: This is an on-site position based in Emeryville, California.
Contract Length: This is a 3-month contract position.
Key Responsibilities- Benchwork & Experiments:
- Design and conduct rigorous wet lab experiments to characterize system behavior, fluid dynamics, and outputs.
- Execute hands-on experiments to optimize, test, and refine our polymer manufacturing system.
- Systems & Instrumentation:
- Set up, operate, and troubleshoot laboratory hardware, fluidic components, and analytical instrumentation.
- Work directly with pumps, sensors, and fluidic components to diagnose and resolve system issues.
- Data Analysis:
- Analyze complex scientific data sets to present actionable findings.
- Apply statistical evaluation methods to assess experimental results and guide optimization decisions.
- Documentation & Safety:
- Maintain meticulous laboratory records and documentation in accordance with standard operating procedures.
- Adhere to best practices for laboratory safety at all times.
Qualifications- BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
- 1+ years of hands-on research experience, including independent experiments at the laboratory bench.
- Strong grasp of fluid mechanics, polymer chemistry, and materials science
- High level of comfort working and designing hands-on with physical scientific hardware, pumps, sensors, and fluidic components.
- Capabilities in scientific data analysis and statistical evaluation of experimental results.
- Prior experience with emulsions, colloidal stability, surfactants, hydrogels, microfluidics, or precision fluidic systems.
- Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) principles to accelerate systems optimization preferred but not required.
- Immediate availability to begin a 3-month full-time on-site contract in Emeryville
Our salary ranges are calculated by role and level. Your position within that range will be determined by your job-related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant education, and training/certifications. In addition to those factors, we also examine internal equity as well as consider current market rate, and title may be assessed one level lower or higher accordingly. After you join the company your performance, contributions, and results along with business and organizational needs will affect your base salary. The base annual salary range for this position is between $86,000 - $125,000.
