Research Engineer

The Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology at Uppsala University has a broad research profile with strong research groups focusing on cancer, genetic and autoimmune diseases. A fundamental idea at the department is to stimulate translational research and thereby promote closer interactions between medical research and health care. Research is presently organized in six research programs: Cancer Precision Medicine, Cancer Immunotherapy, Genomics and Neurobiology, Molecular Tools and Functional Genomics, Neuro-Oncology and Neurodegeneration and Vascular Biology. Departmental activities are also integrated with the units for Oncology, Clinical Genetics, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Pathology, and Hospital Physics at Uppsala University Hospital. The department has teaching assignments in several education programs, including Master Programs, at the Faculty of Medicine. The department has a yearly turnover of around SEK 550 million, out of which about two thirds derive from external funding. IGP has approximately 400 employees, out of which 100 are PhD-students, and there are in total more than 850 affiliated staff members. More information about the department's activities can be found here: www.uu.se/en/staff/department/immunology-genetics-and-pathology

Duties 

We are seeking a highly motivated engineer to support the development and operation of advanced experimental systems combining optical instrumentation, microfluidics, and biological applications. The role involves hands-on system setup, integration, optimization, and testing in a multidisciplinary laboratory environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up, align, and maintain precisely controlled optical systems for experimental applications.
- Design, assemble, and operate microfluidic and fluidic systems, including reagent delivery and perfusion platforms.
- Perform systematic testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of integrated experimental setups to ensure stable and reproducible performance.
- Conduct iterative system validation and performance optimization through repeated testing cycles.
- Prepare rodent tissue samples for system testing, including dissection, sectioning, and processing for downstream validation and imaging experiments.
- Support laboratory operations, including managing orders and handling invoices or payments when required.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across biology, engineering, and data analysis to support project development.

Qualifications

1. Fluidics and Microfluidic System Development
Demonstrated experience in the design, development, and integration of fluidic and microfluidic systems for biological applications. This includes controlled reagent delivery, perfusion systems, and spatially resolved stimulation platforms. Proven ability to improve precision, reproducibility, and overall system performance through structured optimization of fluid-handling workflows.
2. Instrument Integration and System-Level Technical Competence
Hands-on experience designing, assembling, calibrating, and troubleshooting integrated hardware platforms combining mechanical, fluidic, optical, and electronic components. Strong system-level understanding of subsystem interactions, with the ability to optimize performance, reliability, and robustness in complex experimental environments.
3. Animal Model and Tissue Preparation Expertise
Extensive hands-on experience in rodent tissue preparation, including dissection, sectioning, and processing for downstream assay validation and imaging applications. Proven ability to generate high-quality biological samples for system testing under approved ethical permits. FELASA certification (or equivalent animal handling qualification) is required.
4. Cross-Functional Technical Collaboration
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams, including biology, engineering, data science, and product development. Experience translating biological requirements into structured experimental strategies and communicating technical decisions clearly across stakeholders.
5. Patience and Engineering Mindset
Patience, precision, and persistence are essential for this role. The work involves repeated system setup, calibration, and troubleshooting. Candidates should be comfortable with iterative testing, systematic problem-solving, and refining experimental systems over multiple development cycles.

Educational Background

Master’s degree or PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Instrumentation Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Candidates with strong hands-on experience in experimental system development and laboratory instrumentation are strongly preferred.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position, 12 months. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Xingqi Chen, xingqi.chen@igp.uu.se

Please submit your application by 13 April 2026, UFV-PA 2026/769