Head of Research And Development (R&D)

• 11 septembre 2026
• 100%
• Indefinite duration
• English (Fluent), French (Fluent)
• Chemin de la Dent d'Oche 1A, 1024 Ecublens VD
• Log in to see the jobup.ch salary estimate

Location: EPFL Innovation Park, Ecublens, Lausanne region, Switzerland

Contract: CDI; Full time (100%)

About us: Advanced Microfluidics SA

Advanced Microfluidics SA, located in the EPFL innovation park in Switzerland, is at the forefront of microfluidic technology. We develop and manufacture advanced fluid management solutions for industrial and laboratory applications, including programmable syringe pumps, rotary valves, manifolds, and custom microfluidic systems.

Our technologies support applications ranging from environmental monitoring and automated cell culture to nanoparticle formulation, in vitro diagnostics, biosurveillance, and droplet generation.

We are dedicated to promoting a dynamic work culture that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, autonomy, and pragmatic engineering.

About the position: R&D Manager

As R&D Manager, you will lead the technological development of AMF and contribute to shaping the future of our product portfolio.

You will define the R&D roadmap, lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, and oversee the development of new technologies from initial concepts to reliable and industrialized products.

This is also a very hands-on engineering role. Beyond managing the team and defining technical direction, you will actively contribute to technical decisions, support engineers in resolving complex challenges, and remain closely involved in product development.

• Define and execute the R&D roadmap in accordance with AMF's strategy and mission to industrialize microfluidics
• Identify new technologies and opportunities in microfluidic automation, life sciences, diagnostics, and industrial applications
• Collaborate with the leadership team to define long-term technological and innovation priorities
• Lead the design, prototyping, testing, and validation of microfluidic products and systems, including valves, pumps, manifolds, and customized solutions
• Provide hands-on technical support to engineers and contribute directly to resolving complex technical challenges
• Ensure the accuracy, reliability, manufacturability, and scalability of new products
• Drive product development from concept and feasibility through to industrialization and production
• Facilitate the integration of AMF technologies into customer systems and support the technical aspects of strategic customer projects
• Build, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary R&D team while remaining an active member of the engineering team
• Manage R&D projects, priorities, resources, deadlines, and budgets
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement
• Develop collaborations with academic institutions, technological partners, industrial companies, and customers
• Represent AMF at technical conferences, workshops, and industry events
• Provide technical expertise to support strategic partnerships and fundraising activities

Who you are:

• Holder of a Master's or PhD in microfluidics, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, microtechnology, or a related technical field
• Passionate about engineering, product development, and solving complex technical challenges
• Proven experience in leading R&D teams and successfully bringing innovative products to market
• Strong multidisciplinary background in engineering, ideally combining mechanics, electronics, fluidics, and system integration
• Experience in high-tech product development, industrialization, and preferably in microfluidics
• Capable of combining strategic thinking with a pragmatic and hands-on engineering approach
• Comfortable in a startup, scale-up, or fast-paced technology environment
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
• Autonomous, proactive, creative, and comfortable taking charge of technical decisions
• Strong team spirit and ability to interact constructively with customers, partners, suppliers, and internal teams
• Proficiency in French and English; knowledge of other languages is a plus
• Swiss citizen or holder of a valid Swiss work permit preferred; applications from EU citizens will also be considered

Why join us?

• Play a key role in defining the future of AMF's technology and product portfolio
• Lead innovation in a high-potential field at the intersection of microfluidics, automation, biotechnology, diagnostics, and industrial applications
• Combine technical leadership and hands-on engineering as well as product development
• Have a direct impact on products used in real scientific and industrial applications
• Work with a highly qualified and motivated multidisciplinary team
• Benefit from a high level of autonomy and short decision-making processes
• Grow within an ambitious technology company in a rapidly evolving market
• Enjoy a framework contract system as a department director, offering flexibility in hours and workplace
• Appreciate a pleasant working environment at the EPFL innovation park, with access to sports facilities and d