Research Associate Summary We are looking for a talented, experimental Research Associate to become a member of the Nanofabrication group within the Department of Research and Technology Development. Candidates with experience carrying out experimental work in the areas of nanofabrication, nanophotonics, microfluidics, bio sensing, sensitive electrical measurements, chemical patterning, and surface characterization will be considered. Preference will be given to candidates with broad experience in two or more of the above areas. This is an extremely exciting opportunity to contribute to core technology at the foundation of Illumina’s products. The individual will be a key contributor to the development of the substrates and sensing platforms utilized in Illumina’s sequencing instruments. This new team member will be responsible for contributing to the evolution of Illumina’s existing technologies as well as help pave the path for future platforms. He/She will be part of multidisciplinary teams, performing experiments aimed at answering basic scientific questions and industrial manufacturing challenges with a primary focus on developing products that change lives and have profound commercial implications. Responsibilities and Desired Qualifications: Job duties will include, but are not limited to • Micro and nanofabrication to create consumables and testbeds for DNA analysis, including photolithography, nanoimprint lithography, reactive ion etching, metallization/material deposition, and bonding. • Basic materials characterization, such as SEM, AFM and high resolution microscopy to characterize surfaces and interfaces and understand failure modes. • Optical and electrical characterization of microsystems for biochemical assays • Analytical and functional experiments to quantify system performance, including surface chemistry and microfluidic protocols • Development of new materials that can be used in future substrate formats, e.g. photosensitive polymers and their modification to meet functional requirements • Design and fabrication of simple jigs and fixtures • Mechanical and software interfacing with control and measurement instruments • Optimizing robustness and performance of the developed technology using DFM practices • Keeping detailed lab notebooks, preparing reports, invention disclosures, updates and summaries for managers and teams as directed Job requirements • MS in Physical Chemistry, Material Science, Analytical Chemistry, Physics or a closely related field. BS candidates with a few years of solid lab experience will also be considered. • Understanding of and experience with process development of multidisciplinary systems, including knowledge of optical, fluidics, microfluidics, electronics, and automation systems.. • Experience with SolidWorks and CNC machining is desired. Experience with biosensing and nucleic acid chemistry is a plus. • Meticulous experimental and data analysis skills; ability to interpret and draw conclusions from limited to large amounts of data. • Analytical, detail-oriented, organized, problem solver, self-starter, self-motivated, independent but can work well in a fast-moving cross-functional team to achieve goals within aggressive target timeframes. • Proven ability to research, plan, execute and report on multifaceted experiments not necessarily in field of expertise. • Strong work ethic with flexible schedule. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Contributor will present updates, write reports, lead and/or participate in technical meetings, and present results to management Keywords: • Physical chemistry • Physics • Chemistry
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Nanoengineering Biosensing Electrical Engineering Nanotechnology Spectroscopy Nanofabrication Material Science Nanophotonics Analytical chemistry Physics Experimentalist Metrology Surface chemistry Polymer Nanoimprint lithography Spectroscopy High resolution microscopy SEM AFM TEM XPS TOF-SIMS Critical Parameter Management Design of Experiments Good Laboratory Practices