Associate Engineer, Automation CoTe

Title: Associate Engineer; Laboratory Automation Core; Center of Technology

Employee Type: FTE
Location: San Rafael, CA

Summary

The Center of Technology (CoTe) is a centralized laboratory built around platform technologies and made available to scientists and physicians across Research and Development (R&D). The Laboratory Automation Core within the CoTe designs and builds automation solutions for high throughput workflows and partners with scientists to develop automated assays to speed discovery. We have Hamilton STAR, Agilent Bravo and Biomek FXP liquid handlers integrated with plate readers, plate sealers, incubators, and/or cell imagers to provide fit-for-purpose drug discovery platforms.

We are searching for a highly motivated Associate Engineer to join the Laboratory Automation Core. The successful candidate will be interested in learning new techniques and approaches to laboratory automation, pay close attention to detail, run multiple projects in parallel, and possess good organization skills. The position requires adaptability, creativity, and a capacity for constant innovation in pursuit of excellent science.

This position offers a unique career opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects that contribute to the entire spectrum of a product lifecycle, from early drug discovery and non-clinical work through all stages of clinical and commercial development. The successful candidate will assist with the design, implementation, and maintenance of automation solutions for high-throughput biology protocols like NGS workflows, iPSC cell culture protocols, and standard in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays.

Responsibilities

• Assist with design, implementation, and maintenance of laboratory automation systems.
• Operate robotic platforms to execute biological protocols. Assess the efficiency and quality of operations to prioritize process improvements.
• Design and execute experiments to validate the functionality and performance of lab automation systems, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements.
• Integrate laboratory automation systems with Benchling Connect to streamline the data transfer from liquid handlers to Benchling. Collaborate in the creation of a laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for research using available Benchling infrastructure.
• Work with contract research organizations and lab operations teams to service and ensure supply of consumables for automated solutions. Provide technical training and support to laboratory personnel of existing and new automation processes, equipment, and technologies.
• Collaborate with automation vendors and contractors to facilitate their onsite visits.
• Clearly and thoroughly document your work in your electronic notebook (Benchling).

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biotechnology, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related fields. Established field of expertise in molecular biology, protein, chemistry, analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, proteomics, genomics, or similar.

Experience

• Must have 0-2 years in the Biotech/Pharmaceutical Industry with experience working with laboratory automation equipment (liquid handling, robotic arms etc.).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, scientists, engineers, etc.
• Strong understanding of laboratory processes and workflows, with the ability to translate them into automation requirements.
• Some programming experience in any language (e.g., Python, Java, C++) is required.
• Experienced in operating plate-based liquid handlers (e.g., Vantage, Star, Bravo, Lynx, Tempest, Echo) is a plus.