Company Overview
Sonder Research X is a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to advancing and innovating cancer diagnostics. Our team integrates biology, engineering, and data science to develop next-generation diagnostic technologies. We operate in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment where precision, accountability, and cross-functional teamwork are critical to success.
Position Summary
Sonder Research X is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate in Bioengineering to support the development, fabrication, and validation of experimental systems central to our diagnostic platform.
This is a hands-on, laboratory-based role focused on designing and executing experiments across device-based and assay-driven workflows, with ownership of microfluidic device fabrication and validation processes. The ideal candidate is a strong experimentalist who can operate across disciplines, troubleshoot complex systems, and adapt quickly as research priorities evolve.
This role is best suited for individuals who enjoy working at the intersection of engineering and biology and are eager to contribute to a rapidly advancing platform in a collaborative team environment. This is a full-time, permanent role offering the opportunity to contribute to a rapidly advancing diagnostic platform as a long-term member of our team.
Key Responsibilities
Device Fabrication & Chip Development
- Perform microfluidic chip fabrication processes, including bonding and casting
- Execute wafer-related workflows, including preparation, validation, handling, and documentation
- Maintain consistency and quality across fabrication processes to support experimental reliability
- Identify and troubleshoot fabrication-related issues impacting device performance
Device-Based Systems & Microfluidics
- Execute experiments using microfluidic or other device-based platforms
- Support preparation, testing, and validation of experimental systems, including flow-based and imaging workflows
- Contribute to the optimization of system performance through structured experimentation and troubleshooting
Experimental Design & Execution
- Design, plan, and execute laboratory experiments across engineering and assay-based workflows
- Prepare reagents and perform end-to-end experimental procedures with a high degree of precision and reproducibility
- Analyze experimental data and iterate on protocols to improve performance and reliability
Engineering & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across biology, engineering, and data science
- Contribute to the development of new experimental approaches and improvements to existing systems
- Troubleshoot complex experimental and system-level challenges in a fast-paced environment
Documentation & Scientific Communication
- Maintain detailed, accurate, and compliant documentation of experimental procedures and results
- Ensure reproducibility and traceability of all work
- Present findings internally and contribute to technical discussions and project updates
Visa Sponsorship Requirement:
No, I do not need sponsorship now or in the future
Benefits:
The comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, a 401(k), an annual professional development budget, and a Coursera subscription.
Growth Opportunity
This role offers the opportunity to develop deep expertise in device fabrication and chip-based systems at a critical stage in our platform's development. As Sonder Research X continues to scale toward commercialization, high-performing individuals will have the opportunity to take on greater ownership of fabrication processes and grow into roles of increasing responsibility. We are building for the long term and investing in the people who help us get there.
Requirements:
Key Qualifications
Education & Core Experience
- Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline
Experimental & Technical Capability
- Strong hands-on experience designing and executing laboratory experiments in a wet-lab or device-based environment
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex experimental systems and adapt to evolving research needs
- Experience working with precision-based experimental workflows requiring high reproducibility and attention to detail
Engineering Mindset
- Ability to take ownership of technical workflows, including system setup, execution, and optimization
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve system-level challenges
Collaboration & Communication
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary environment
- Strong documentation and communication skills to support reproducibility and cross-functional alignment
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with microfluidic systems or other device-based experimental platforms, including exposure to fabrication workflows
- Experience with microfluidic chip fabrication, including bonding, casting, or wafer-based workflows
- Familiarity with microfabrication techniques or cleanroom environments
- Experience with device validation workflows, including flow-based testing or imaging techniques
- Experience operating, programming, or maintaining lab automation systems, including liquid handling robotics, to support experimental workflows
- Experience working in multidisciplinary environments, integrating engineering and biology