Senior Scientist I - Automation Specialist

When our values align, there's no limit to what we can achieve.
 
At Parexel, we all share the same goal - to improve the world's health. From clinical trials to regulatory, consulting, and market access, every clinical development solution we provide is underpinned by something special - a deep conviction in what we do.

Each of us, no matter what we do at Parexel, contributes to the development of a therapy that ultimately will benefit a patient. We take our work personally, we do it with empathy and we're committed to making a difference.

We are looking to fill a Senior Scientist I – Automation Specialist position working as a full-time employee of Parexel FSP on long-term assignment onsite at one of our clients located in West Point, PA.  This position offers full benefits, sick time, 401K, paid holidays, and paid time off.

Responsibilities

The Senior Scientist I – Automation Specialist (Bioanalytical) provides hands-on automation support, design, and production support in a preclinical and clinical research environment.

• Liquid Handling/Automation Integration

  • Performs programming/liquid handling integration work (e.g., Hamilton, Mantis, Tempest, Mosquito, Dragonfly, Thermo Inspire, Biosero)

  • Develops quality control procedures to ensure accurate liquid handling

  • Utilizes vendors to support and to service equipment to minimize downtime

  • Interfaces automation with other devices and databases

  • Performs operations and troubleshooting of robotic systems

  • Works jointly with department members and across functional teams to operate and support the automation infrastructure

• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Management

  • Maintains accurate records in LIMS for sample management (inventory and tracking)

  • Utilizes computer database systems to support and facilitate sample management operations

• Project Support

  • Defines project requirements

  • Coordinates installation requirements with client’s Safety and Facilities

  • Train on and execute automated methods supporting LCMS and MSD workflows.

• Process Optimization

  • Seeks to continuously improve processes, systems, and overall client satisfaction

  • Provides direction and/or information to vendors, suppliers, facilities staff, and service providers ensuring excellent coordination and execution of work within the client environment

  • Collaborates to identify, evaluate, and recommend novel automation and assay strategies to drive client’s development programs, including data science and machine learning technology

• Client Interface

  • Acts as an interface with client and suppliers

  • Acts collaboratively to solve problems and resolve spontaneous and unique situations

  • Ensures appropriate follow up with scientific staff

  • Develops and maintains positive relationships with internal and external customers and facilities staff

Qualifications - B.S./M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biology or similar life sciences and relevant years of experience as listed below

• Senior Scientist I - B.S. with 5+ years of experience; M.S. with 2+ years

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience with computer languages (e.g., visual basic [VB], Python, C#, labview) 

• High level of automation and engineering competency and technical expertise in the areas of integration, robotics, liquid handling, software, and electro-mechanical solutions, and ability to apply this expertise to continuously improve the client organization's technical competency and output 

• Development and execution of quantitative and qualitative bioanalytical assays (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELSA], mass spectrometry, electrochemiluminescence [ECL]) 

• Experience with liquid handling systems (e.g., Beckman, Labcyte, Tecan, Hamilton)  

• Structured Query Language (SQL)/Oracle programming 

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with site leaders, client management, and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication of plans and issues 

• Self-starter and independent worker 

• Able to prioritize projects and resources to deliver required level of output and support to customers 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

About Parexel

Parexel FSP includes the CMC Operations group.