Innovation and the Team

Microchip Biotechnologies Inc. (MBI) is a fast-moving, venture backed ‘start up’ in Dublin, Northern California. Our Board of Directors, management team and employees share a passion and vision, building integrated ‘sample-to-answer’ solutions that will change the practice of Life Sciences research. The Company is built on an exclusively licensed, ground-breaking microfluidic platform: ‘Microscale-on-Chip Valves’ (MOV^TM). We use this technology to perform upfront sample preparation from real world samples and then move these into microchips. This solves a fundamental issue in microfluidics: volume transitions from initial samples in milliliters to the nanofluidic environment. Once purified, samples are moved into microchips where we integrate complex workflows to provide complete solutions. This ability to address initial samples, and then to integrate many process steps, is highly differentiated from other microfluidic platforms.

The challenges are both exciting and non-trivial. Our team is our most important asset in making these exciting possibilities a reality.

Our Work Environment and Culture

We have a strong cohesive group of talented scientists, engineers and commercial team members all united by our goal. We hire outstanding people, expect great individual and team contributions and have a fast-paced ‘start up’ work ethic. Success in building integrated solutions is a team approach. To succeed, we are always looking for more creative, talented, positive individuals who are passionate about working in a highly multidisciplinary environment and will strengthen the team. The rewards are many: the opportunity to make new possibilities happen, the fun of working with other outstanding team members and personal and career development.

We do expect a great deal from every employee and at the same time we offer people a comprehensive and competitive benefit program to care for you, your family now and to help you build wealth and financial security for the future. Lastly, we never forget to have fun, whether at our weekly informal Company lunch or celebrating our successes together.

Summary of Our Company Benefits:

Health Insurance and Section 125 Plan and Health Savings Account
Dental Insurance
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
Long Term Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Plan
Competitive Salaries
Stock Options
401K Plan with 3% contribution of base salary to all eligible employees
Observance of Federal Holidays
Direct Deposit
18 Vacation days per year, generous accrual system of 12 hours/month, additional per year of service
Outstanding Career Growth opportunities

Current Job Opportunities and Openings

Director of Finance
Marketing Director
Materials Manager
Network Administrator
Senior SW Test Engineer
System Engineer
Staff System Scientist
Research Scientist
Research, Senior Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electro-Mechanical Technician
Microfabrication Engineer
Microfabrication Technician
Senior Research Associate
System Scientist

Please email resumes (Word Document or PDF) to: jobs@microchipbiotech.com

Director of Finance

Job Duties:

Directs, manages, prepares, coordinates, administers and controls financial operations, maintains fiscal records, establishes and maintains budgetary controls and procedures.
Reviews, approves, and implements recommendations for financial planning and control, providing relevant fiscal information to the Management Team.
Monitors division and department adherence to approved budget.
Reviews, analyzes and interprets financial and budgetary reports.
Directs all aspects of accounting operations and preparation of annual financial forecasts.
Oversees the development of financial accounting systems required to maintain reporting requirements.
Provides tax, insurance and other financial reports required by governmental regulations.
Manages the activities of general accounting functions.
Develops, implements, and maintains systems, procedures and policies, including all accounts payable and receivable functions.
Ensures accurate compilation, analysis and reporting of accounting data.

Education Required:

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance

Experience Required:

10+ years of progressive experience in accounting, month-end close, AP/AR/GL experience

Special Skills Preferred:

Experience in grants and contracts budget reporting.
Strong Excel skills and experience in costing, internal systems and processes. Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Strong organizational and leadership skills.
Self-starter, efficient, great in multi-tasking, pleasant personality.

Director of Marketing

Job Duties

Provide the marketing mix for product campaigns: defining market segment campaigns, provision of sales collateral, lead generation programs and conversion of technical materials into marketing and sales materials.
Provides product forecasts to Operations.
Champion’s customer issues internally to ensure feedback on product performance in the field and customer satisfaction and Company reputation.
Lead the product marketing strategy and execution: market research, industry trends, competition, market segment opportunities, customer needs and solutions that can be generated with the Company’s MOV microfluidic platform product definition, customer requirements, pricing, positioning, value proposition and business analysis and justifications.
Turn business strategies into structured product development plans and ‘design input requests’ to guide the development team.
Lead the marketing role in product development core teams for the Company’s development projects.
Formulate market penetration strategies for the growth of existing products. This will include identification of new customer groups and application extension.
Represents the Company externally, at tradeshows, presentations at conferences and industry events, and internally, to the Company’s investors, Board of Directors and staff.
Builds and then manages the product marketing team and manages third party service providers.

Education Required

Strong scientific background with a minimum Bachelor of Sciences required.

Experience Required

Minimum ten years experience in product marketing in the Life Sciences tools sector. A demonstrated track record of success and experience in related functions that includes product management, strategic marketing, business development, and customer facing roles such as field sales or technical support. Superior communication, relationship and influencing skills. The ability to work collaboratively with individuals across all Company functions.

Materials Manager

Position Summary

East Bay Biotech start-up seeks a Materials Manager to be part of their first product launch. This position will manage the daily activities related to Production Planning, Purchasing, Inventory Control, Shipping and Receiving. Initially an individual contributor, this position is expected to evolve as the company expands.

The Materials Manager will be expected to lead the effort to establish best-practice concepts and policies related to material procurement and inventory management for the company, and to collaborate with the Marketing, Engineering and Science groups to plan and implement production schedules for new product launches as well as for established products.

Specific Responsibilities

Production Planning – Work with all functional groups within the company to develop a procurement and inventory plan to support MBI manufacturing, including prototyping and product launch activities as well as sustained production.
Purchasing – Negotiate and obtain quotes from suppliers. Issue purchase orders in response to approved purchase requests, and as part of a scheduled production plan. Maintain accurate records of purchasing transactions and supplier history.
Inventory Management – Manage component and subassembly inventory to support manufacturing. Insure that part numbers and revision levels are correctly associated with parts in inventory. Develop and take appropriate corrective action in response to inventory shortages. Manage returns for incorrect or substandard components.
Shipping / Receiving – Manage the flow of inbound production materials and parts, and of outbound finished goods. Reconcile receiving documentation with purchase orders. Expedite receipt of critical components. Resolve questions and issues with suppliers related to delivery schedules.
Project Management / Policy Implementation – Represent Materials Management in all levels of company interactions, including project meetings, functional meetings, senior management reviews as well as daily face-to-face discussions. Participate in plans for the implementation of MRP systems. Contribute to the definition and evolution of the document control system.

Education and Experience

BA / BS Degree in relevant field.
7+ years experience in purchasing, product planning and/or materials management.
Demonstrated experience formulating and implementing process improvements.
Experience with manufacturing floor work-orders, GMP and ISO 9000 regulations desired.
Experience in the Medical Device, Biotechnology or Life Sciences industries is desired.
Proficiency with computer skills related to this position.
Excellent written and verbal communication ability.
Demonstrated ability to conduct successful negotiations, resolve conflicts, deliver clear status assessments, and represent the company in a professional manner with outside contacts.

Network Administrator

Job Duties:

Maintains documentation, IT inventory records, software licenses, server and workstation configurations, etc. Ensures adherence to company IT security and access policies. Performs network and server administration, installation and maintenance, including back up and restore processes; email, Internet/Intranet access, and related work. Responsible for reliability and availability of network services. Installs, configures, diagnoses, troubleshoots, maintains, replaces, and repairs computers, including hardware, software, data communication, telecommunications, network, remote access systems, peripheral equipment, and related material; coordinates and refers complex problems to appropriate personnel or vendor for resolution. Responsible for IT Help Desk functionality within the company, including installation, maintenance and support of employee workstations and laptops, along with ongoing problem resolution. Installs, maintains, and supports telephone equipment and cabling, along with related equipment; assists with administration of voice mail, telephones; diagnoses problems and coordinates repairs. Implements, documents, and trains on the use and application of hardware and software; develops, writes and updates training documents, communication protocols, computer related procedures manuals, and other related material. Researches products and vendors; analyzed and makes recommendations for acquisition, improvements and enhancement; ensures necessary project planning, scheduling, monitoring, and testing; assists with acquisition, tracks inventory, and monitors licensing compliance.

Education Required:

Associate’s degree in computer science or higher; Microsoft technical certification preferred

Experience Required:

Five years of experience providing technical support for the operation, installation, and maintenance of computer systems, data communications, or other related field. Experience working in a networked environment is required.

Sr. Software Test Engineer

Job Duties:

Writing and performing test cases for the Apollo-100 beta system based on existing documents.

Writing new and ad-hoc test cases based on expected end- user scenarios that are envisioned during final beta testing.

Working with the development team to fully document bugs/issues that are found during testing and verify fixes as they are made.

Work with Visual Studio Team system to access builds and test them, recording the results in the TFS database.

Assure build quality through timely execution of test cases. Interact with the development team to help improve the end-user experience.

Education Required:

BS in a technical field. Advanced knowledge of computer operation.
Test Engineering Processes and Methods

Experience Required:

2+ years relevant industry experience minimum.
Experience with product development in controlled/regulated environment.
Proven experience writing test.

Special Skills Required:

Scripting experience a plus. Visual Studio Test Executive experience a plus.

System Engineer

Job Duties:

Design mechanical components for biotechnology instrumentation. Plan and schedule projects in a manner consistent with corporate objectives. Contribute to the intellectual property position of the company via invention and patent application. Identify and qualify outside vendors and consultants as required. Maintain current knowledge of competitive technologies including mechanical design, manufacturing, and materials developments as related to company products. Conduct testing utilizing existing test protocols or create new ones as needed. Maintain complete, accurate, and timely design history documentation, including testing methods. Provide support for the resolution of product complaints and/or safety issues. Work with other engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing, quality, and regulatory staff to complete the release of new products.

Essential Job Functions and Abilities:

Initiates and completes technical activities leading to new or improved products or processes which have a significant impact at a program level.
Using company supplied, recommended and/or required methods and facilities, maintains an organized and comprehensive database of all analytic and design output, including but not limited to 3D model, assembly and drawing files, test plans and reports, research records of components, materials and processes, and transcripts of oral and written communications with suppliers, consultants and collaborators.
Analyzes and solves moderately complex or defined problems using conventional types of plans, investigations, surveys, structures, or equipment.
Has a working knowledge of engineering principles, theories, concepts, practices, and techniques.
Incorporates business policies, procedures into task completion. Develops a general understanding of internal functions and industry activities and technologies.
Demonstrates initiative by participating in project planning process.
Exercises authority and judgment within defined limits to determine appropriate action.
May contact external or customer representatives on routine matters. Represents the company in providing solutions to problems of moderate complexity associated with specific projects.
Works under general direction. Receives limited supervision on standard problems, and detailed instructions on new assignments.

Education Required:

Bachelor’s Degree and 5-7 YOE. Ability to apply engineering principles using logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Competency with SolidWorks 3D solid modeling software gained by at least 3 years of recent use. Understanding of the use of PDMWorks to store, retrieve and manage the revision levels of engineering documentation.
Fluent use of MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Project).
Strong written and verbal English communications skills are required. Ability to comprehend an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form.

Staff System Integration Scientist

Job Duties:

The candidate will participate in the development of instrumentation for the fields of forensics, molecular biology and bio-defense. This will include conceptualization, construction, operation, optimization and characterization of prototype systems.
Work closely with the engineering team in testing and verifying system performance, preparing documents and experimental plans, writing progress reports and managing personal work schedules.
The position will have significant data analysis, reporting, publishing and presentation component.
While some day-to-day management of other staff’s technical efforts might be required, suitable candidates will be expected to primarily work at the bench.
Candidates with experience on electrophoretic separations, separations on microfluidic devices and on optical detection systems will be well received.

Education Required:

BS/MS/PhD in Chemistry, Biology or the equivalent

Experience Required:

10-20 years experience primarily in a system development environment.
A thorough knowledge of one or more of the following: separations, microfluidics, optics, forensic applications, as well as thorough command of instrumentation and molecular biology analysis and laboratory process and methods.
Experience working on multiple projects, in support and lead roles, scheduling and time management.
Experience specifying systems and preparing project documentation and test planning. Microsoft office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Special Skills Required:

Engineering skills (Hardware, Software or Optical).
Mechanical skills.
Analytical or device control programming.
Drive, focus and intensity ready for a start-up environment.

Scientist

Job Duties:

The candidate will participate in the development of processes and instrumentation for the fields of diagnostics, molecular biology and bio-defense. This will include feasibility and optimization of biological sample preparation from various matrices, analyses of both proteins and nucleic acids primarily using qPCR and immunoassays, operation and characterization of prototype instruments in cooperation with engineering teams, the test and verification of system performance, the preparation of documents and experimental plans, writing progress reports and helping manage more junior staff (R.A.’s and interns). The position will have a significant data analysis, reporting and presentation component. Candidates with extensive molecular biological experience that includes immunoassay and qPCR will be well received.

Education Required:

BS/MS/PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, or the equivalent.

Experience Required:

5 years experience primarily in a laboratory environment focused on research and feasibility issues.
A thorough knowledge of molecular biological applications, a command laboratory process and methods. and proficiency in operation of instrumentation is required.
Experience with microfluidics and optics would be very helpful, as would experience in characterizing and validating systems.
Skill in preparing project documentation and test planning is requisite, which also requires proficiency in Microsoft office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Successful candidates must work well in a collaborative team environment, while demonstrating considerable resourcefulness, initiative, drive and focus.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also critical to this position.

Special Skills Required:

Engineering skills (Hardware, Software or Optical).
Mechanical skills.
Analytical or device control programming.
Drive, focus and intensity ready for a start-up environment.

Research, Senior Mechanical Engineer

Department: Engineering
Classification: Exempt
Effective Date: June, 2008

Summary of Responsibilities:

Design mechanical components for biotechnology instrumentation. Plan and schedule projects in a manner consistent with corporate objectives. Contribute to the intellectual property position of the company via invention and patent application. Identify and qualify outside vendors and consultants as required. Maintain current knowledge of competitive technologies including mechanical design, manufacturing, and materials developments as related to company products. Conduct testing utilizing existing test protocols or create new ones as needed. Maintain complete, accurate, and timely design history documentation, including testing methods. Provide support for the resolution of product complaints and/or safety issues. Work with other engineering, manufacturing, sales and marketing, quality, and regulatory staff to complete the release of new products.

Essential Job Functions and Abilities:

Performs and guides technical activities leading to innovative applications and extensions of existing or new products, processes or technologies which are of major importance to a project. Presents and publishes work internally and externally where appropriate.
Using methods and facilities that are supplied, recommended and/or required by MBI, maintains an organized and comprehensive database of all analysis and design output, including but not limited to 3D model, assembly and drawing files, test plans and reports, research records of components, materials and processes, and transcripts of oral and written communications with suppliers, consultants and collaborators.
Analyzes and solves complex problems using creative and effective techniques or processes.
Fully comprehends engineering principles, theories, concepts, practices, and techniques. Continues to develop expertise in areas of specialization.
Utilizes knowledge of business goals and broad understanding of industry activities and technologies to complete tasks. Develops a working knowledge of internal functions.
Participates in the development of less experienced engineers by setting an example, providing guidance, and offering counsel. May lead a project team. Participates in determining goals and objectives for projects.
Exercises judgment in selecting innovative, practical methods to achieve problem resolution.
Frequent intra- and inter-organizational and external customer contacts.
Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult problems associated with specific projects.
Works only under very general direction. Participates in determining objectives of assignments. Independently plans work and determines and develops approach to solutions. Receives technical guidance as necessary.

Education, Knowledge and Skills Required:

Bachelor’s Degree and 6-9 YOE. Ability to apply engineering principles using logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Competency with SolidWorks 3D solid modeling software gained by at least 6 years of recent use. Understanding of the use of PDMWorks to store, retrieve and manage the revision levels of engineering documentation. Understanding of the principles of SolidWorks file management. Demonstrates expertise in some aspect of solid modeling (e.g. sheet metal, surface modeling, large assembly modeling, etc.). Knowledge of COSMOS analysis software is highly desirable.

Fluent use of MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Project). Some familiarity with other software such as Visio, MathCad, etc. is desirable.

Strong written and verbal English communications skills are required. Ability to present project design reviews, test reports and research results to internal and external audiences. Ability to comprehend an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form.

Electrical Engineer

Permanent, Fulltime position

Job Duties

Circuit design and layout, primarily digital and limited analog/power.
Firmware development, primarily MicroChip Pic family using C.
Work with scientists, engineers, and others to understand requirements and implement engineering solutions.
Instrument and other hardware control.
Documentation of designs and systems.
Interfacing with vendors and suppliers.
Testing, troubleshooting and debugging designs and systems.
Project and process management.

Education Required

BS or MS in Electrical Engineering.
Control theory and communications/interfacing.
Basic knowledge of chemistry and biology.

Experience Required

5 years relevant industry experience minimum.
Proficiency with OrCAD and/or other schematic design & layout software.
Embedded development for instrument control.

Special Skills Required

Device automation and control.
Optics knowledge a plus.

Desired Attributes:

Hands-on, can-do approach.
Detail oriented finisher.
Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team including biochemistry and molecular biology.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
High energy and interest in working in a startup environment.

Electro-Mechanical Technician

Permanent, Fulltime position

Job Duties

Assemble and test instruments, including wiring harnesses, sheet metal assembly, mechanical component assembly, application of adhesives, etc.
Fabrication of small parts and fixtures using machine tools: milling machines, drill presses, band saws, grinders, etc.
Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical assemblies.
Provide input and suggestions with respect to product design elements affecting ease of assembly, manufacturability, servicability, etc.
Maintain inventory/stock levels, complete purchase requests as required.
Assist with documentation of assembly and repair procedures.

Education Required

Associate’s Degree in electrical or mechanical engineering or closely related field. Equivalent experience and training may substitute for degree work Experience Required:

Experience Required

Assembly work in a manufacturing or development environment.
Knowledge of electronics and components.

Special Skills Required

Good troubleshooting skills, ability to work from schematics/blueprints.

Microfabrication Engineer

Permanent, Fulltime position

Job Duties

Process wafers.
Secure materials supply for wafer processing (Glass, wipes, gases...)
Establish, characterize, and streamline microfabrication processes.
Select and work with vendors to build/purchase components.
Design and help fabricate glass and plastic microfluidic chips including:
- CAD design & mask preparation
- Establishing and maintaining a standardized 2D-CAD environment (program, component library, archiving, etc.)
Troubleshoot systems.
Document designs and processes.
Establish processes in new clean room (equipment and procedures).
Lab maintenance
Hazardous materials handling (used HF Acid, gases)

Education Required

BS or MS engineering degree.

Experience Required

5 years relevant industry experience minimum.

Special Skills Required

Proficient with CAD systems and mechanical drawings, SolidWorks preferred

Desired Attributes:

Hands-on, can-do approach.
Detail oriented finisher.
Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team including biochemistry and molecular biology.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Good written and verbal communication skills.

Microfabrication Technician

Permanent, Fulltime position

Job Duties

Assemble and test instruments, including wiring harnesses, sheet metal assembly, mechanical component assembly, application of adhesives, etc..
Fabrication of small parts and fixtures using machine tools: milling machines, drill presses, band saws, grinders, etc.
Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical assemblies.
Provide input and suggestions with respect to product design elements affecting ease of assembly, manufacturability, serviceability, etc.
Maintain inventory/stock levels, complete purchase requests as required.
Assist with documentation of assembly and repair procedures.

Education Required

Prefer BS in chemistry or engineering

Experience Required

3 years relevant industry experience minimum.
Clean room experience

Special Skills Preferred

Microfabrication skills, hands-on technical abilities
Experience with CAD systems preferred

Desired Attributes:

Great attention to detail.
Meticulous work habits.
Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team including biochemistry and molecular biology.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
High energy and interest in working in a startup environment.

Senior Research Associate

Permanent, Fulltime position

Job Duties

Participates in the development of instrumentation for the fields of molecular biology / sequencing / forensics.
Test and verify system performance.
Prepares and documents experimental plans, progress reports and personal work schedules.
Analyzes data and prepares reports and presentations on the results.
Participates in the design and construction of prototype systems in cooperation with engineering team.
Operates, characterizes, optimizes and tests systems independently.

Education Required

BS in a science or engineering discipline

Experience Required

0-10 years experience primarily at an instrumentation development company,
Good laboratory skills and a knowledge of molecular biology process and methods.
Microsoft office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
May have experience with microfluidics and microfluidic processes.

Special Skills Required

Engineering skills (Hardware, Software or Optical).
Mechanical skills.
Analytical or device control programming.
Drive, focus and intensity ready for a start-up environment.

System Scientist

Job Duties

The candidate will participate in the development of instrumentation for the fields of forensics, molecular biology and bio-defense. This will include; the construction, operation, optimization and characterization of prototype systems in cooperation with engineering teams; the test and verification of system performance, the preparation of documents and experimental plans, writing progress reports and managing personal work schedules. The position will have a significant data analysis, reporting and presentation component. Candidates with experience in microfluidic devices will be well received.

Education Required

BS/MS/PhD in Chemistry, Biology or the equivalent.

Experience Required

5-10 years experience primarily in a system development environment. A thorough knowledge of one or more of the following: separations, microfluidics, optics, molecular biological applications, in addition to a thorough command of instrumentation and laboratory process and methods. Experience in specifying, characterization, or validation of systems. Skilled in preparing project documentation and test planning. Proficiency in Microsoft office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Must be comfortable working with breadboard and prototype instrumentation. Must work well in a collaborative team environment, while demonstrating considerable resourcefulness, initiative, drive and focus. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Special Skills Preferred

Any of the following would enhance a candidate’s desirability:

Mechanical or engineering skills (Hardware, Software or Optical).
Expertise in electrophoretic separations, polymers or coatings.
Expertise in Genetic analysis technologies.
Microchip design for microfuidic applications.
Expertise in polymerase based molecular biological assays.
Analytical or device control programming.
Intensity ready for a start-up environment.