Automation Staff Scientist

About the role

Provide hands-on scientific and technical leadership for the development, deployment, validation support, and sustainment of digitally integrated laboratory automation workflows at the Durham/RTP site. Lead automation solutions for genomic technologies while partnering across scientific, operational, quality, technology, and vendor teams to advance new products and improve laboratory processes.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the scientific lead for laboratory automation solutions supporting new product development and process improvement projects involving genomic technologies
• Lead the automation, development, optimization, and validation of molecular assays involving DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, gene expression, and nucleic acid extraction
• Develop and sustain integrated automation workflows incorporating liquid handlers, automated freezers, tri-coded tube infrastructure, APIs, LIMS, ELN, and scheduling or orchestration software
• Act as a subject matter expert for automating workflows across molecular biology, oncology, immunology, microbiology, and human genetics
• Create and review experimental designs, protocols, validation plans, procedures, technical documents, and reports while providing appropriate documentation review or approval
• Lead technical and strategic discussions, communicate automation and assay development strategies, and introduce new technologies across functions
• Research emerging technologies, assess functional initiatives, troubleshoot complex systems, and evaluate product, process, project, and schedule risks
• Train users, coach and mentor technical professionals, coordinate with external vendors, and pursue opportunities for posters, patents, and journal publications

Requirements

• Master's Degree or educational equivalent in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology, pharmacology or related field
• 8 years relevant experience
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including high-throughput DNA sequencers, genotyping platforms, and real-time PCR equipment
• Experience developing and validating automated molecular assays using genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, and gene expression
• Experience developing and optimizing DNA and RNA extraction methodologies for liquid and tissue specimens
• Experience with APIs and system integration, LIMS and ELN connectivity, scheduling or orchestration software, Python-based automation, and digitally integrated laboratory workflows

Qualifications

• Strong scientific leadership skills with the ability to influence assay development strategies and facilitate technical decision-making across functions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information, train laboratory staff, and adapt complex information for different audiences
• In-depth understanding of risk management concepts and the ability to evaluate product, process, project, and schedule risks
• Demonstrated ability to analyze molecular biology data, apply sound scientific judgment, troubleshoot technical issues, and assess the broader impact of decisions
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Laboratory Operations, Project Services, Bioinformatics, Software, IT, Quality, Facilities, Metrology, customers, and external partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using biostatistical software and online biological databases, including NCBI, PubMed, Entrez, EMBL, and Sanger resources
• Knowledge of Companion Diagnostics, Design Controls, clinical laboratory assay development, or CLIA environments is preferred
• PhD is preferred

Pay

The potential base pay range for this role, when annualized, is $78,700.00 - $196,800.00. The actual base pay offered may vary based on job-related qualifications, location, and/or schedule. Dependent on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered, in addition to a range of health and welfare and/or other benefits.