Associate Engineer, Automation CoTe

Role Summary

Associate Engineer, Laboratory Automation Core, Center of Technology (CoTe) in San Rafael, CA. The role designs, implements, and maintains automation solutions for high-throughput biology workflows and collaborates with scientists to develop automated assays. The Laboratory Automation Core operates Hamilton STAR, Agilent Bravo, and Biomek FXP liquid handlers integrated with plate readers, plate sealers, incubators, and/or cell imagers to support drug discovery platforms.

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).

Qualifications

• 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.

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.