Automation Engineer II, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory Operations

The Role

Moderna is seeking a talented, experienced, and motivated Automation Engineer II to join the Clinical Biomarker Laboratory to serve as a technical expert for the automation of biomarker assays.  The individual will work with automation engineers from other departments to implement existing automation strategies to optimize instruments and integration platforms in the clinical biomarker laboratory.  The candidate will provide support to laboratory scientists by automating manual laboratory processes and improving existing processes using liquid handlers, cell culture incubators and other lab automation tools.  The incumbent will also be responsible for providing critical automation support used for high-throughput assay development, qualification/validation of methods, sample management and testing.  In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for the training of team members to perform automated bioanalytical work and maintain clinical testing continuity to support Moderna’s clinical phase studies.  The ability to effectively communicate across multi-disciplinary teams and external partners is required.  The incumbent will stay aware of the latest technology, should be an outstanding automation scientist, a collaborative team member, and an excellent communicator to support Moderna’s portfolio needs.  The applicant will report to the Associate Director, Automation Engineer, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory Operations.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Develop and optimize new liquid handler protocols for the screening and high-throughput assay platforms, specifically using Hamilton Venus 

• Work with scientist to develop, optimize and implement automated workflows

• Perform lab automation operations including protocol design, error recovery, point-teaching etc

• Drives software communication drivers between lab automation systems

• Deploy integrated lab automation solutions based on dynamic scheduling systems

• Assist scientists with operation of automation platforms including design, qualification/validation, and implementation of automated bioanalytical methods

• Track/record problems with the automated systems and assay setups for proper troubleshooting

• Explore, evaluate, and implement newer hardware and Digital control technologies in automation, to improve on clinical sample analysis such as robotic arm and modular platforms

• Develop and optimize new liquid handler protocols for the high-throughput assay platforms, specifically using Hamilton automated liquid handling systems

• Identify digital solutions to integrate robotic and modular platforms solutions

• Train users on new methods and protocols of system functionalities to automate bioanalytical processes using automated liquid handling and other modular platforms

• Educate users about lab automation instruments, software and their capabilities

• Collaborate and coordinate with internal and external groups to identify appropriate solutions to improve bioanalytical testing capacity and efficiency

• Occasionally the job may require overtime work or weekend shift as needed

• Additional duties as may be assigned from time to time

Here’s What You’ll Need (Minimum Qualifications)

• Requires MSc or B.S. in biology/engineering/biotechnology or related field

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in bioanalytical laboratory and automation solutions

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience in Java, C++ and other object-oriented programming languages

• Experience with LIMS systems or database

• 2 years of extensive Hamilton liquid handlers servicing and troubleshooting experience strongly preferred.

• Requires ability to diagnose problems and fix problems with Hamiltons

• Background in Web Services (SOAP,REST), JMS, J2EE and/or Spring frameworks

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced multi-tasking environment

• Must demonstrate an ability to troubleshoot complex problems on automation equipment

• Experience with Tecan, Hudson, High-Res, Echo, Spinnaker or Inspire™ module is desirable

• Experience with dynamic scheduling software: Momentum, SmartQC, Cellario, GreenButtonGo, Softlynx, Retisoft,or similar

• Extensive hands-on experience with high throughput liquid handling system operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance

• Industry experience focused on lab automation is strongly preferred

• Proven ability to successfully automate manual lab processes

• Keen on taking initiative, ability to work independently as well a