Microfluidic Optical Devices Internship
The Hardware Research and Technology Laboratory (HRTL) at PARC, a Xerox Co, is a group of multi-disciplinary scientists and engineers who invent and develop new technologies, foster innovation, and launch new businesses. Research conducted by HRTL includes 3D printing, sensor systems for IoT (internet-of-things), technologies for carbon capture technology, digital X-ray detection, applications of artificial intelligence, robotics and much more.
The Automation and Life Sciences group within HRTL is seeking an experimentalist who will contribute to an NIH-funded project developing a microfluidic optical calorimetry platform for high-throughput screening of biochemical reactions aimed at revolutionizing the process of drug discovery [1]. This individual will work directly with scientists to conduct experiments and conceptualize new ideas.
Responsibilities:
- Perform measurements of thermodynamic binding constants of biologically relevant chemical reactions using droplet-based microfluidics, and conventional techniques including isothermal titration calorimetry.
- Evaluate data using computer-based approaches and scientific computing software (Python, MATLAB, Igor Pro).
- Present results through presentations and weekly updates
Qualifications:
- MS degree or PhD candidate in physics/chemistry/biophysics/bioengineering or similar
- Experience in applying fundamental concepts of physical sciences to solve problems.
- Experience in microfluidic devices and optical detection, such as fluorescence, is preferred.
- Experience in handling, running, and interpreting biochemical reactions, including enzymatic reactions, is preferred.
- Familiarity with programming and lab automation in LabVIEW/Python/MATLAB/C++/C#
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Team player, self-motivated, hands-on experimentalist
- Available for on-site work for several months; full-time; including lab work.
[1] J. Chamoun, A. Pattekar, F. Afshinmanesh, J. Martini, M.I. Recht. “Optical calorimetry in microfluidic droplets,” Lab Chip, 2018, 18, 1581-1592; DOI: 10.1039/C7LC01266G.