Principal Microfluidics Engineer – Advanced Automation & Systems Integration

Vivodyne creates human data before clinical trials.

We accelerate the successful discovery, design, and development of human therapeutics by testing on large, lab-grown human organ tissues at massive scale, driving technological advancement at the convergence of novel biology, robotics, and AI. We identify and validate new therapeutic targets and de-risk new therapeutic assets by producing clinically translatable multi-omic data from our proprietary, physiologically-realistic human organ tissues at unprecedented scale, speed, and quality. This enables us to produce more human data than all clinical trials in the U.S. combined. We’re financially backed by some of the most selective and successful venture funds, and we have already partnered with a majority of the top 10 multinational pharmaceutical companies to discover and develop better, safer drugs and dramatically reduce the burden of animal testing.

www.vivodyne.com

Role

As a Principal Microfluidics Engineer at Vivodyne, you will take a leadership role in the design, development, and optimization of microfluidic systems that drive our fully automated, high-throughput tissue-on-a-chip platform. Your work will be instrumental in creating next-generation bioautomation workflows that integrate precision microfluidics, robotics, and AI to revolutionize therapeutic discovery.

This role requires a deep technical background in microfluidics, including the design, fabrication, and validation of novel microfluidic devices, as well as the ability to execute entire biological workflows using mammalian cell culture techniques. You will collect, analyze, and interpret data to ensure new microfluidic designs meet rigorous scientific and operational standards. High levels of autonomy and technical leadership are expected, as you will be defining the future of microfluidic automation at Vivodyne.

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will work closely with hardware engineers, automation specialists, AI researchers, and biologists to design and test cutting-edge microfluidic platforms. This is a full-time, onsite role in Brisbane / San Francisco, where you will have access to state-of-the-art prototyping, automation, and biological research facilities.

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, fabricate, and optimize microfluidic systems for high-throughput tissue engineering and biological experimentation, ensuring seamless integration with automation and robotics.
• Develop and execute full biological workflows, including mammalian cell culture, microfluidic cell manipulation, and assay development, to validate new microfluidic designs.
• Leverage automation hardware and scripting (Python preferred) to control fluid flow, optimize perfusion systems, and integrate microfluidics with robotic platforms.
• Perform rigorous data collection, analysis, and statistical validation to evaluate system performance and refine designs to meet the expectations of internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical engineers, software developers, tissue biologists, and AI teams to define technical goals, set experimental parameters, and advance microfluidic automation.
• Design, build, and test prototypes using soft lithography, CNC micromachining, PDMS molding, or other fabrication techniques to produce high-precision microfluidic elements.
• Incorporate robust fluid dynamics principles into system designs, ensuring precise control over microenvironments, perfusion rates, and biological stability.
• Develop and document SOPs and best practices for microfluidic design, testing, and biological integration, enabling reproducibility and scale-up.
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists, providing guidance on microfluidic design principles, automation integration, and experimental validation.
• Stay at the forefront of microfluidics innovation, continuously identifying new technologies and methodologies to improve system efficiency and scalability.
  
  

Requirements, Expectations and Qualifications

Technical Mastery

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred) in Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on microfluidics, tissue engineering, or lab automation at least six years of directly relevant industry experience.
• Extensive experience designing and fabricating microfluidic systems, including PDMS, thermoplastics, or glass-based devices, for cell culture, drug screening, or organ-on-chip applications.
• Strong background in mammalian cell culture and ability to execute and optimize biological workflows in microfluidic environments.
• Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages for automation, data acquisition, and integration with robotics.
• Deep understanding of fluid dynamics and transport phenomena, with experience in COMSOL, ANSYS, or similar modeling tools being a plus.
• Hands-on experience with microfabrication techniques such as soft lithography, CNC micromachining, laser ablation, and injection molding.
• Experience working with precision automation systems, including liquid handling, perfusion control, and robotic sample processing.
  
  

Autonomy & Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment, taking full ownership of projects from concept to execution.
• Strong experimental design and analytical skills, ensuring microfluidic systems are validated through rigorous testing and data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to interface effectively with engineers, biologists, and business stakeholders, clearly communicating complex microfluidic concepts and design rationales.
• Passion for mentorship and team collaboration, helping to train junior engineers and advancing the organization's technical expertise in microfluidics.
  
  

San Francisco pay range{​{:}} $245,000 USD - $270,000 USD