Senior Automation Engineer

Responsibilities

• System Design & Integration: Lead the design and implementation of fully automated, end-to-end workflows (e.g., high-content imaging, NGS library prep, and automated cell culture maintenance, mRNA production, high-throughput screening).
• Workflow Optimization: Evaluate existing manual assays and transform them into robust, scalable automated processes.
• Software & Scheduling: Program and maintain liquid handling platforms (Hamilton, Tecan, or Beckmann) and integrated robotic workcells using scheduling software (e.g., HighRes Biosolutions Cellario, Biosero Green Button Go).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the IoM’s biological leads to ensure that automated solutions meet the rigorous precision required for rejuvenation research.
• Data Integrity: Develop and implement automated data capture and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) integration to ensure seamless data flow from the robot to our AI/ML pipelines.
• Instrument Evaluation: Evaluate and recommend laboratory automation instruments for deploying to a production environment.
• Expert Programming: Write methods using various laboratory automation control software including Tecan EVOware, Beckman, Hamilton, Agilent/Bionex Vworks, Dynamic Devices MethodManager, Green Button GO, Plate Butler, Cellario Scheduler, and others.
• Integration & Installation: Work hands-on with the installation and integration of laboratory automation with a high level of attention to detail.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with partners in other functions to ensure that new instruments and processes transition smoothly into a production environment.
• Vendor Relations: Collaborate, develop, and maintain relationships with external vendors to develop drivers, custom automation solutions, and enable Production support.
• Efficiency & Innovation: Contribute directly to the development of innovations that improve efficiency and reduce cost.
• Training & Mentorship: Provide instrument training to production end users.
• Lifecycle Management: Create a census of automation, its current usage, and develop and implement a plan for areas of retirement, growth, or re-deployment.
• Systems Stability: Handle the migration of lab/automation computers, including installing and integrating automation and devices as needed while testing to ensure lab stability.
• Governance: Create a system and culture of version control for automation scripts and thoroughness through documentation.
• Leadership: Potential to grow and manage a team of laboratory automation scientists in support of workflow automation across Altos.

Qualifications

• Education: BS/MS/PhD in Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics or related field.
• Experience: 8+ years in laboratory automation, specifically within a drug discovery or high-throughput production environment.
• Technical Breadth: Mastery across multiple software platforms (Hamilton Venus, Tecan, Cellario, etc.) and experience with 3rd-party driver development.
• LIMS Expertise: Proven track record of selecting or managing LIMS/informatics transitions.
• Problem Solver: A "hands-on" engineer who thrives on troubleshooting experiments for liquid handling, workflow complications and complex hardware/software interfaces.
• Strategic Thinker: Ability to manage the "big picture" of lab assets, from computer migrations to the long-term retirement and deployment of high-value robotics.
• Analytical: Ability to understand diverse and complex workflows on liquid- and plate-handling systems, including the sources and statistical assessment of unwarranted assay variance.
• Collaboration: Ability to work both independently and collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers.
• Motivation: Self-driven individual motivated to book end projects requiring minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of PCR, Sequencing, and other Molecular Biology techniques and skills as well as experience with high throughput automation systems designed for molecular biology or analytical applications.
• Experience automating workflows for high-throughput RNA-seq, including transcriptional profiling, spatial and single-cell applications.
• Experience screening small molecules, siRNA and other modalities in in vitro and cell-based assays.
• Experience automating workflows for high throughput production of mRNA, plasmids and functional genomic library assembly.
• Experience automating workflows for NGS library preparation and other genomics applications.

Pay

Senior Automation Engineer: $167,400 - $204,100