Jr. Lab Assistant

Aether

Aether was founded under the belief that synthetic biology is the key to building the post-scarcity future. In order to catalyze the next industrial revolution, we are building the world's highest throughput robotic laboratory, generating data on scales previously not possible to feed deep learning algorithms. We are building a diverse team of engineers, sci-fi nerds, and world-changers. We hope you can join us…

Building this future will require transforming enzymes from niche catalysts to general purpose molecular assemblers using datasets of enzyme activity unprecedented in size and diversity. To power world-class machine learning models, we are the boundaries of laboratory automation towards faster, broader, and more robust, robotic sample processing systems to acquire data at throughputs above anything that has been previously built.

Team

Software | Biology | Automation | Machine Learning | Operations

Our automation team is the foundation for Aether's differentiation, driving innovation in mechanical, electrical, and robotic engineering. By generating unprecedented datasets, we enable our machine learning algorithms to shape the post-scarcity future.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Run, monitor, and maintain automated systems for production in a high-throughput lab, ensuring optimal performance and timely execution of tasks.
• Operate and maintain a variety of lab equipment for automation, including but not limited to Echo, Prime, and Biodot.
• Collaborate with the engineering team to identify opportunities for improving system efficiency and effectiveness by gathering requirements, implementing tools, and communicating constraints.
• Assist in the implementation of new automation processes and equipment, while ensuring a smooth transition into production as well as drafting and improving SOPs.
• Utilize your lab environment experience to develop and maintain automated processes and systems with up-to-date documentation of operations activities, including maintenance logs, system performance metrics.
• Work with scheduling software, such as Momentum, to interface with tools and robots.
• Support the optimization of assays and processes to enhance Aether's enzyme engineering factory.
• Contribute to the development of new automated workflows, from enzyme design to high throughput screening.
• Perform routine checks, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of liquid handling equipment and other automated systems.
• Participate in training sessions and collaborate with other team members to continuously enhance knowledge and skills related to automated systems and processes.
• Communicate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of operations activities with overall production goals and objectives
• Contribute to and maintain a safe, efficient, and organized lab environment

You will BRING to this role:

• Your Understanding and Experience 
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience in automation, molecular biology, chemistry, or synthetic biology.
• Familiarity with a range of automation equipment, including Tecan, Hamilton, Agilent, Echo, and Beckman.
• Experience with scheduling software, such as Momentum.
• Ability to work well in a team, providing and receiving feedback, and balancing new ideas with existing processes.
• The challenges of a startup excite you. Aether Biomachines is changing the world through a platform that has the potential to revolutionize post-scarcity. Our ability to build and maintain scalable and efficient systems to deliver a continuously improving product will be the main differentiator between the success and failure of the organization, and you will be a key stakeholder in this process. You believe you are up to the task and want to prove it.

Bonus Experience:

• Experience in a synthetic biology, biotechnology setting, or other high-tech fields with automatic like semiconductor.
• Experience working and thriving in a fast-paced start-up environment. 
• Knowledge of molecular biology, synthetic biology, and protein manipulation techniques such as NGS, colony picking, transformation, and DNA assembly, and protein purification.

Life at Aether:

• Full suite of health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Ancillary benefits, including 401(k), HSA/FSA programs
• Commuter Benefits: Aether will match up to $100/month (Commuter benefits can be allocated towards commute expenses, parking expenses, or both)
• Learning & Development: You may purchase up to $50/month in books or other learning materials with