Aspects of the embodiments are directed to a microfluidic chip that includes a plurality of openings to expose a microfluidic channel. The plurality of openings are within a recessed area of the microfluidics chip, the recess defining a surface onto which a sensor die can be clamped. The surface can include a clamping bump that contacts a membrane of a solid-state chemical sensor. The surface can also include a glue stop that, in some embodiments, can act as a spacer to prevent over-compression of the sensor die as it is clamped onto the microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chip can include a rigid structure, such as a printed circuit board, that is affixed to a top surface of the microfluidic chip. The rigid structure can include contact pads that are electrically connected to sensor electrodes on the sensor die by a wire.