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Salary: USD 160,000 - 180,000 / annual
Shennon Biotechnologies is developing precision immunotherapies for solid tumors using an integrated technology platform that combines target discovery, ultra-high-throughput microfluidics-driven functional screening, computational binder design, and predictive safety assessment. The company's proprietary TCELERATOR platform profiles more than 10 million single-cell interactions simultaneously, identifying functional leads in a single experiment—dramatically accelerating discovery compared to conventional sequential testing. The company is developing both antibody-based and TCR-based T-cell engagers targeting surface and intracellular cancer antigens, with initial programs in small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Based in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood with 6,000 sq ft of lab space, the company is at seed stage.
Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer, the Associate Director of Droplet-based Microfluidics Applications will lead the development and expansion of the company's droplet-based microfluidics platform and its applications. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic vision and direct technical execution. Key responsibilities include:
• Lead the further development of the droplet-based microfluidics platform and its applications, working alongside junior engineers with boots on the ground
• Actively engage with the biology team to assess which problems can be addressed with the platform
• Define projects and timelines to develop applications that advance understanding of functional biology
• Drive and execute projects, ensuring delivery of results within set timelines to meet company goals
• Mentor junior engineers, developing them into mature professionals and expanding their technical capabilities
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and deep scientific rigor
The ideal candidate is a mature leader with an adaptive, self-starter attitude and strong background spanning both engineering and biology. This person should be fluent with data structures used in AI model training and possess hands-on, in-depth understanding of droplet-based applications—knowing what is currently possible, understanding current boundaries, and having vision for pushing those boundaries. You will work with an interdisciplinary team and have direct access to a member of the Scientific Advisory Board who is one of the founders of droplet microfluidics.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
• Ph.D. in engineering or physical science (Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering preferred) with expertise in droplet-based functional biology applications, supported by peer-reviewed publications
• Hands-on experience delivering droplet-based microfluidic solutions for functional biology applications, including designing droplet-based microfluidic chips, manufacturing microfluidic chips, and designing and executing droplet-based biological assays; must have worked end-to-end on the complete process and understand both opportunities and challenges
• Multi-disciplinary training with experience across disciplinary boundaries; ability to think across biology and engineering; experience working in multi-disciplinary teams
• 3+ years of leadership experience in industry, including team management, project leadership, and delivering results within defined timelines
• Demonstrated adaptability and maturity in aligning with company direction and needs
• Self-awareness regarding strengths and weaknesses; low ego; growth mindset; comfort changing course as priorities evolve
• Understanding of startup environment and passion for it
• Ability to assess team members' strengths and weaknesses and extract the best from each person
• Strong presentation skills for executive team and external stakeholders
