Sr. Automation Engineer I, Automation Engineering

The Role: 

We seek a highly skilled and motivated Automation Engineer to assist in the implementation of high-throughput assays for drug product development and screening in the research environment.  The role will primarily provide support to scientists by automating manual laboratory processes and improving existing processes using liquid handlers and other lab automation tools.  The individual will join the Research Automation team, which includes both scientists and engineers working synergistically to provide automation solutions across a dynamic research landscape.   Candidates should be comfortable functioning in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, with excellent communication skills.

Here’s What You’ll Do:  

• Specific projects will involve collaborative interactions within a multidisciplinary group and across a diverse array of scientific areas.  The applicant will work closely with scientists and engineers to design, develop, test and successfully deploy liquid handler methods, ensuring the instruments are functioning to manufacturers’ specifications and yielding robust scientific data. The candidate will also be expected to provide critical automation knowledge and hands-on support to other automation engineers, contributing to the team’s ability to efficiently and effectively design and troubleshoot automated high-throughput screening and development solutions across a variety of scientific disciplines and applications. This position requires critical thinking, flexibility, multitasking, great attention to detail, and the ability to utilize an automated infrastructure and associated digital tools to support the continued advancement and implementation of relevant, impactful and sustainable automated solutions.

• Responsibilities:

• Develop new liquid handler protocols for the screening and high-throughput assay platforms.

• Optimize new liquid handler protocols for the screening and high-throughput assay platforms.

• Routinely investigate, adapt, and improve existing assays, methods, and procedures to advance projects and accommodate the evolving science.

• Use existing technical/scientific procedures and methodologies to troubleshoot problems.

• Assist scientists in the labs with operating automated platforms.

• Provide error-recovery support as needed to increase operational success.

• Track/record problems with the automated systems for proper troubleshooting and method improvements/updates. Explore and evaluate novel technologies in automation, liquid handling, sample analysis, etc. 

• Locate resources and information independently to troubleshoot issues.

• Train users on new methods and protocols.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table: 

• Requires a BS/MS in biology/engineering/biotechnology. 

• Minimum of 6-years of experience in industry (relevant automation experience is preferred).

• Experience with Liquid Handlers is required (such as Hamilton, Biomek, Hudson, HighRes, or Momentum)

• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues that arise with liquid handling equipment.

• Experience working in a laboratory environment with the ability to mentor and train others.

• Capable of planning, organizing, conducting and managing multiple projects/priorities efficiently.

• Present data confidently and clearly within project/team meetings.

• Excellent written, oral communication, interpersonal and collaborative skills.

• The successful candidate will have an analytical mindset, creative problem-solving s