Electrical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Software Engineer
Applied Physicist 

​

About NNi:

Northern Nanopore Instruments (NNi) is a fast-growing start-up company that specializes in research tools and solutions to support fundamental and applied research on solid-state nanopores.

 

NNi commercializes a patented low-cost and scalable method of fabricating solid-state nanopores - nanometer sized holes in thin insulating membranes like silicon nitride.  Nanopores are just large enough to allow biomolecules like DNA and proteins to pass through one at a time, with each translocation generating a unique electrical signal as the molecule temporarily blocks current flow through the pore. Nanopores are finding innovative applications in the Health and Life sciences to sequence and count biomolecules in genomics and proteomics applications.

 

We offer instrumentations for fabricating nanopores and performing high-bandwidth, low-noise electrical sensing. We also provide advanced, yet easy to use data analytics software, as well as a range of custom research solutions for research labs worldwide. NNi is focused on accelerating research and development of applications of solid-state nanopores by making nanopores accessible to anyone. NNi was founded in 2020 to commercialize nanopore technology its founders developed at the University of Ottawa, and our research labs are currently located on the University of Ottawa main campus in Ottawa, Ontario Canada.

 

Visit www.solidstatenanopore.com for more information.

​

Position description

 

There are several hardware and software projects available.
 

• Hardware projects involve instrumentation design and assembly, where the candidate will be responsible for building and testing Spark-E instruments, consumables, and circuitry. The Spark-E is a small benchtop instrument that automates the fabrication of up to 2 nanopores in parallel on separate chips, grows them to the target size with sub-nm precision, and automatically conditions the pore to reduce the noise for improved biosensing. This project will involve 3d printing, soldering components on PCBs, assembling electrical boards and mechanical assembly of the instrument chassis, as well as testing the systems by fabricating nanopores and characterizing the performance of these nanosensors. Additional responsibilities may include designing and prototyping next generation of instruments, developing nanopore fabrication protocols and performing controlled experimentation to optimize performance. Experience with CAD and/or PCB design tools are an asset.
   

• Software projects involve development of different software solutions for NNi’s products. NNi has three lines of software. One for data analysis, one for instrument control, and one for data acquisition. Software development tasks will include front-end development, UI/UX design optimization, and algorithm development. The successful candidate should have experience with at least one of Python, C, and C++, and be familiar with git for version control.

 

Who should apply?

We are looking for exceptional candidates to help us tackle diverse challenges in the development of NNi’s solid-state nanopore technology. In particular, we are looking to hire someone with a background in electrical, computer, mechanical, biomedical or software engineering or an applied physicist. Candidates from all levels (BSc, MSc or PhD) will be considered. We expect the candidates to have an independent, well-organized, and reliable work style, and to be open to contributing to a wide range of tasks and keen on operating in a fast-paced start-up environment. Experience is welcomed in areas such as software development, hardware programming, electronic circuit design, instrumentation, sensitive measurements, and nanotechnology, although recent graduates motivated to being trained on a wide range of research skills are strongly encouraged to apply. In fact, this position is an excellent learning opportunity for recent graduates who wish to work in high technology or research, where scientific reasoning and experimental skill must be coupled with practical know-how and engineering problem-solving.

 

Requirements

This position is supported by the Youth Employment Program with NRC-IRAP. As such, the candidate must satisfy the eligibility requirements for that program, reproduced below:

• <30 years of age at the start of the internship

• a post-secondary graduate

• a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada or person granted refugee status in Canada

• a first-time participant in a Youth Employment and Skills Strategy work experience program targeted at post-secondary graduates

 

 

General attributes

Regardless of the position of interest, the following attributes are desirable, though none are strictly required:

• A keen interest in biotechnology, nanotechnology, biophysics, instrumentation and engineering

• Communication and teamwork: able to work in close coordination with a small group

• Efficient and reliable: does not require constant supervision to conduct own project effectively

• Willingness to seek help, ask questions, and learn; look for input early and often; be accepting of feedback

 

Application Documents Required

• Cover letter (we are most interested in hearing about your practical, hands-on skills in designing, building, prototyping, testing and trouble-shooting systems, or tackling research questions.  Please describe any projects and tools used).

• Resume

 

Job Information:

• Dates: starting now, minimum 6 months or 1-year position.

• Job Titles: Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Software Engineer, Applied Physicist in Nanopore Technology

• Salary: TBD based on experience.

 

Contact Information

If interested, please contact Kyle Briggs at kbriggs@northernnanopore.com directly.

​