Laboratory Automation (2nd Shift)

About the role

Eurofins Professional Scientific Services (PSS) is seeking an Automation Scientist to support high-throughput, automated liquid-handling operations on a dedicated second-shift schedule at our client site in San Diego. This role is designed to significantly expand laboratory capacity by running automated systems outside of standard first-shift hours, enabling faster turnaround and roughly doubling throughput for a growing volume of complex requests. The person in this role will independently operate, load, monitor, and maintain automated liquid-handling platforms overnight, ensuring that overflow and time-sensitive requests are processed, quality-controlled, and staged for the next step in the workflow. This is a hands-on, detail-oriented position central to keeping a large, automation-driven laboratory running around the clock.

Responsibilities

• Operate automated liquid-handling platforms (e.g., Beckman Coulter Biomek i7) to run overnight “overflow” requests that cannot be accommodated during first shift, increasing capacity for these critical activities by at least 2x.
• Support the growing number and complexity of liquid-handling requests by executing scheduled overnight runs to deliver results faster and expand daily throughput.
• Load, set up, and start additional robotic system runs as needed, and perform system set-up and cleanup activities to reduce prep time and maximize productivity during first shift.
• Perform liquid-handler quality control overnight using Artel across a large fleet of instruments (25+ including offline and online systems) to avoid delaying first-shift processes, and carry out any necessary repairs or maintenance identified in the QC reports.
• Transport sample plates to their next destination — storage, another robotic system, or a downstream instrument process — and initiate those runs when needed.
• Monitor robotic systems running through the night and provide hands-on intervention as required to troubleshoot and resolve issues, minimizing downtime and protecting sample integrity.
• Maintain meticulous records of runs, QC results, maintenance, and issue resolution in client-provided systems, following good documentation practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: BS in a life sciences, chemistry, engineering, or related scientific/technical field with 2–5 years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Hands-on experience operating automated liquid-handling systems (Beckman Coulter Biomek i7 or comparable platforms).
• Ability to work a dedicated second-shift schedule, independently and with limited on-site supervision.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and mechanical aptitude for resolving robotic system issues as they arise.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and accurate record-keeping.
• Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without restriction or sponsorship.
• Preferred Qualifications: Experience performing liquid-handler QC with Artel or similar volume-verification systems.
• Familiarity with routine maintenance and minor repair of automated laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience in a high-throughput, automation-driven laboratory environment.
• Working knowledge of laboratory information/scheduling systems used to manage automated workflows.

Benefits

• Comprehensive full-time benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid vacation and company holidays.

Pay

Compensation Range: $57,000-$67,000/yr

Schedule

This is a full-time, second-shift position; specific hours and days will be defined based on business needs. Weekend, overtime, and holiday work may be required based on business needs.