Instrument Scientist I

Overview

The Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development Division of Abbott Laboratories has an immediate opening for the position of Instrument Scientist I. As a member of the Advanced Technology Automation Engineering group, this person will have the exciting opportunity to learn new technologies, to conduct cutting edge research, to create and to invent new instruments, and to work in a skunkworks-like environment. The group conducts research on and implements advanced automated equipment solutions and innovative technologies for use in accelerating and enhancing the drug discovery process. Systems and technology have been developed that improve processes including medicinal chemistry, high throughput screening, protein crystallography, analytical chemistry, genomics, pharmacokinetics, and preclinical toxicology. Miniaturization of fluid handling equipment is a key element of our mission.

Requirements

Qualified candidates must possess hands-on experience in the design (both mask-level and fabrication process-level) and fabrication of novel microfabricated devices and microelectromechanical systems. In addition, the candidate must be capable of quickly understanding and implementing technologies outside his/her area of specialty. Hands-on experience working in a team environment in the design and manufacture of complex research instruments is essential. Experience in the areas of fluid handling, acoustics, robotics, and software programming will be strongly valued. Experience in the design of micro-fluidic structures and knowledge of the fluid dynamics of small structures is also desirable. The ideal candidate will possess good communication & interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently, and have project management experience. A Bachelors Degree and 5+ years experience or High School Diploma and 10+ years experience in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics is required.

Responsibilities

The position of Instrument Scientist I will require the candidate to: Under the guidance of a senior engineer: stock supplies for, maintain all equipment in, develop fabrication processes utilizing, and fabricate prototype devices in a small, on-site, MicroElectroMechanical Systems fabrication lab. Provide assistance with the assembly, debugging, and maintenance of custom robotic instruments to other engineers in the group on an as needed basis. Learn to understand and interpret the needs of chemists and biologists unfamiliar with engineering principles and assist in the translation of these needs into a plan of tasks that lead to solutions. Survey the literature for new technologies and integrate them into automation systems by designing experiments to determine their utility, implementing prototypes, and educating others on their use.

Application

Apply by posting resume to www.abbott.com/careers and placing 75812BR in the keyword area of the search screen.