Research Associate –Bioengineering & Device Development

The ADA Forsyth Institute is a top-tier NIH-funded nonprofit research institute focusing on dental and craniofacial exploration the connection between oral and overall health and playing a convening role in oral health innovation. Founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children and later known as the Forsyth Dental Center and then The Forsyth Institute the organization has played a key role in advancing dental October 2023 Forsyth integrated with the American Dental Association. ADA Forsyth powers the dental profession through cutting-edge basic research creative translational science and development of new technology. Consistent with ADA Forsyths founding mission the ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need. The institute is located in a purpose-built LEED Platinum-certified facility in Somerville MA within the Boston biomedical innovation hub and collaborates closely with neighboring biotechnology companies and universities to develop cutting-edge solutions to advance oral and overall health.

Summary/Objective

ADA Forsyth Institute recently announced an exciting collaboration focused on creating a rapid low-cost molecular detection platform for oral pathogens using next-generation CRISPR-Cas and synthetic biology technologies. We are seeking a highly motivated bioengineer with specialized expertise in microfluidics and/or optical detection systems to lead the design prototyping and integration of a point-of-care diagnostic device incorporating CRISPR-based assays. This role is strongly engineering-focused with primary responsibility for developing microfluidic architectures and fluid handling systems and/or designing and optimizing optical detection modules (e.g. fluorescence-based systems). The successful candidate will drive device innovation and integration working closely with assay scientists to ensure seamless incorporation of CRISPR chemistry into the platform. While familiarity with molecular biology is beneficial the core focus is advancing microfluidic and/or optical system performance from prototype to functional diagnostic device. This position offers the opportunity to join a fast-paced start-up-like team developing innovative synthetic biology and bioengineering-based diagnostic technologies aimed at improving oral health worldwide. We offer competitive salary and benefits aligned with the biotech industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Design prototype and optimize microfluidic systems and fluid handling architectures
• Develop and implement optical detection modules including fluorescence-based sensing systems
• Integrate microfluidics optics electronics and assay chemistry into a cohesive device platform
• Collaborate with molecular biology teams to adapt assays for compatibility with microfluidic and optical systems
• Troubleshoot challenges related to fluid dynamics signal detection system integration
• Analyze experimental data and communicate findings clearly and effectively

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (B.S.) in Bioengineering Biomedical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering Electrical Engineering with 23 years of relevant industry experience; or
• Masters degree in a related engineering discipline; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in microfluidic device design fabrication and optimization and/or optical detection system development especially fluorescence-based sensing imaging or photometric measurement systems
• Familiarity with point-of-care diagnostic platforms including compact instrument design usability robustness and fast turnaround workflows
• Knowledge of microfluidic cartridge or chip-based systems including sample handling alignment sealing flow control and manufacturability considerations
• Experience translating early prototypes into reliable scalable product designs suitable for manufacturing and field use
• Ability to work closely with biochemistry assay development microfluidics and software teams to co-optimize instrument performance with assay requirements.
• Experience troubleshooting system-level issues where hardware optics fluidics and assay chemistry interact
• Strong CAD (e.g. SolidWorks) and hardware development skills with experience selecting components building prototypes and managing external vendors or manufacturing partners

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R for data analysis and automation
• Understanding of regulated medical device development and design controls verification/validation risk management
• Experience integrating biochemical or molecular diagnostic assays into engineered platforms
• Familiarity with CRISPR-based detection systems or nucleic acid amplification technologies
• Working knowledge of molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR DNA purification)

How to Apply

Apply via the job posting. Questions relating to the position should be directed to