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Assistant/Associate Specialist, MEMS Pump, California NanoSystems Institute
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Position Number: 2142341
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Position Type: Medicine - Physicians

The laboratory of Professor Sumita Pennathur in the California NanoSystems Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara is seeking a researcher with expertise in soft robotics, microfabrication, MEMS, microfluidics, and/or systems engineering to innovate and develop a next generation insulin pump for patients with diabetes. The one year goal of the position is to create the initial data required to prove that we can build a novel MEMS pump and system capable of controlled delivery of low nanoliter volumes and robust enough for commercialization. The selected candidate will be hands-on leading the effort, collaborating with experts in both academia and industry.

Diabetes is a devastating chronic condition that is unfortunately being diagnosed at an unprecedented rate, with statistics indicating that 1 in 3 Americans currently have prediabetes. Although only ~1 million of the 100 million patients currently diagnosed in the US require insulin, not only is this number growing, but also current products on the market still leave much to be desired. The Pennathur Laboratory recently received funding from the Helmsley foundation to innovate a concept that will surpass everything on the market to date in terms of size, cost, and ease of use, using the latest MEMS and microfluidics technologies.

Therefore, for this position we are seeking a candidate who is not only passionate about the mission of proving a translatable innovative product to market can be developed, but also who is willing to collaborate with mechanical engineering, bioengineering, electrical engineering and systems engineering faculty and researchers to build the next generation insulin pumping system. At the end of year the target is to achieve a working prototype of a system with relevant trumpet curves showing pumping performance measured against required specifications for typical insulin-dependent patients with diabetes.

Basic Qualifications: Appointees should possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or have five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization at the time of appointment.

Additional Qualifications: For appointment at the Associate Specialist level, appointees should possess a master's degree (or equivalent degree) or have five to ten years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization, at the time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with silicon microfabrication (specifically mask layout, lithography, etching, annealing, thin film deposition, die singulation, die attach and wire bonding. MEMS/microfluidics (e.g. microchannel fabrication and wafer bonding), and microfluidic medical device development (including design, analysis, fabrication and characterization).

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; solid organizational and planning skills; self-motivation; detail-orientation; and proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Must be able to perform statistical analysis; follow complex instructions; multitask; carefully document work in written records; work both independently and as part of a team; plan and troubleshoot experiments independently; and work in a fast-paced and dynamic research environment.

Initial appointment is for one year. Continuation beyond one year will be based on performance and availability of funding.

Appointment is full time.

Target start date is July 1, 2021.

Apply by February 18, 2021 for primary consideration; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Please apply to UC Recruit: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF01942

Applicants should submit:
Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Statement of Research
Arrange for three letters of recommendation

The Department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.