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- Tasks: Design and build innovative microfluidic hardware for life sciences and agri-tech.
- Company: Engivent focuses on impactful challenges using automation, AI, and synthetic biology.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, potential for full-time role, and opportunities for travel and leadership.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team at the intersection of biology and engineering, making a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering problem-solving; relevant degree or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: No prior microfluidics experience needed; we value passion and eagerness to learn.
Location: Cambridge, UK (on-site)
Position Type: Internship (6 months, full-time, with potential to transfer to a full-time role)
Salary: Competitive
About Engivent
At Engivent, we are driven by impact and bring excellence to meaningful challenges, focusing on industries such as life sciences and agri-tech by combining expertise in automation, AI, microfluidics, and synthetic biology. We are looking for skilled, technically minded individuals who share our passion for solving pressing challenges through multidisciplinary, first-principles thinking. Engivent is growing, and we’re looking for a Microfluidics Engineer to design, build and integrate next-generation microfluidic hardware. If you excel at turning concepts into reliable devices and enjoy bridging engineering with biology, we encourage you to apply.
Role Overview
As a Microfluidics Engineer you will develop the physical components that power Engivent’s hardware and automated discovery platforms. You will design microfluidic architectures, fabricate prototypes with soft lithography, 3-D printing, micromachining and injection moulding. You will integrate pumps, valves and sensors, and validate performance with modelling and bench testing. The role is hands-on, outcome-driven and central to Engivent’s core R&D activities. We invite applications from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. Evidence of rigorous problem solving—whether gained through employment, research projects or competitive engineering challenges—is considered more important than formal credentials.
Key Responsibilities
- Device design: Create 2-D/3-D CAD layouts for microfluidic chips, manifolds and interfaces.
- Rapid prototyping: Fabricate test devices using soft lithography, SLA/DLP 3-D printing or micro-milling; iterate quickly to achieve target specifications.
- Flow-control integration: Select and implement pumps, pressure regulators, valves and flow-sensors; build electronic control boards where needed.
- Flow modelling & optimisation: Apply first-principles calculations and FEM/CFD tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS) to predict pressure drops, shear, mixing and residence times.
- Testing & troubleshooting: Characterise devices with microscopy and flow visualisation; diagnose and resolve leaks, clogs or performance drift.
- Automation support: Work with software and robotics engineers to integrate microfluidic modules into high-throughput workcells; provide ongoing technical support.
- Documentation & standards: Maintain detailed design files, test reports and SOPs; uphold lab safety and engineering best practices.
Note: You will have opportunities to learn and develop new skills, don’t worry if you do not have experience in all responsibilities above. We welcome exceptional engineering talent who have no experience in microfluidics but are eager to learn.
Requirements
- Demonstrated experience tackling hard engineering problems, such as building a custom microfluidic or MEMS device, leading a complex prototyping project or competing in design challenges.
- BEng/BSc/MSc/PhD (or demonstrable equivalent experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering or a related field.
- Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, AutoCAD) and at least one rapid-fabrication method (soft lithography, resin 3-D printing, CNC micromilling).
- Working knowledge of fluid mechanics and basic FEM/CFD analysis.
- Hands-on experience with flow-control hardware (pressure pumps, syringe pumps, valves) and basic electronics assembly.
- Working knowledge of Python/C++ particularly for microcontroller programming and digital signal processing.
- Ability to communicate findings clearly in spoken and written English.
Bonus Skills and Experiences
- Droplet or digital microfluidics workflows.
- Finite-element simulation in COMSOL or ANSYS.
- PCB design and microcontroller programming (Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi).
- Real-time embedded systems: Integrate various microcontrollers and hardware to handle tasks requiring precise timings at high frequencies.
- Optical system integration for fluorescence or absorbance detection.
- Experience with laboratory-automation interfaces (Opentrons, PLC).
- Contributions to open-source hardware or publications in relevant technical fields.
- Interest in working across interdisciplinary teams, with a focus on impactful industries such as life sciences and agri-tech.
Career-Acceleration Opportunities
- Showcase your science worldwide. Present at conferences or visit partner labs abroad - travel is encouraged but never compulsory.
- Lead sooner, not later. Ownership is granted when you deliver results - run a mini-team, pitch directly to the team, or steer a new work stream.
- Work at the crossroads of biology, automation & AI. Sit beside biologists and data scientists, join cross-functional sprints, and broaden your skills beyond engineering.
- Turn ideas into IP. Spot a promising process or phenomenon? We’ll actively fund the experiments, generate PoC studies and explore commercial pathways with you.
Contact Information
To apply - or if you’d like more information - please email with your CV and a short cover note outlining why you’re excited about the role. Engivent is an equal-opportunity employer; we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and learning paths!
Microfluidics Engineer employer: Engivent
Contact Detail:
Engivent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Microfluidics Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in microfluidics and related technologies. Engivent values candidates who are passionate about the field, so showing that you stay updated on trends and innovations can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with online communities or forums related to microfluidics and engineering. Networking with professionals in the field can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with rapid prototyping and CAD software during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of projects where you tackled engineering challenges, as this aligns with what Engivent is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your problem-solving skills by preparing a few case studies or examples from your past work or academic projects. Highlight how you approached complex issues, as Engivent appreciates rigorous problem-solving abilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Microfluidics Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Microfluidics Engineer role. Focus on any engineering projects, particularly those involving microfluidics or related technologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Note: In your cover note, express your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention specific aspects of Engivent's work that excite you and how your background makes you a great fit for the role.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to tackle complex engineering problems. Highlight any relevant projects or challenges you've faced, especially those involving prototyping or design.
Highlight Interdisciplinary Experience: If you have experience working across different fields, such as biology, automation, or AI, make sure to mention it. Engivent values diverse backgrounds, so showcasing this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Engivent
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Engivent values rigorous problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss specific engineering challenges you've tackled, especially those related to microfluidics or prototyping. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your analytical thinking and creativity.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Software
Since proficiency in CAD software is crucial for this role, make sure you are comfortable discussing your experience with tools like SolidWorks or Fusion 360. If you have worked with FEM/CFD tools like COMSOL or ANSYS, be ready to explain how you used them in your projects.
✨Prepare for Hands-On Questions
Given the hands-on nature of the Microfluidics Engineer role, expect questions about your practical experience with flow-control hardware and rapid fabrication methods. Be ready to describe any relevant projects where you designed or built devices, and how you approached troubleshooting.
✨Express Your Willingness to Learn
Engivent welcomes candidates eager to learn, even if they lack direct experience in microfluidics. Highlight your enthusiasm for acquiring new skills and your adaptability in interdisciplinary environments. This will show that you're a good fit for their innovative culture.
