Staff Scientist (Automation)

Job Description

Under the Director of Automation, the Staff Scientist, Automation, will function as a subject matter expert of laboratory automation and instrument integration in the Molecular Genetics department. The Staff Scientist, Automation, will exercise technical latitude in applying expert level technical knowledge to development programs. This professional makes solid decisions based on experience, sees issues before they arise, and ensures deliverables are meeting defined timelines without supervision. Strong individual drive is required. 

Responsibilities:

• Develops, plans, conducts and records results from complex experiments within a specific product or technology area.
• Performs laboratory experiments following defined protocols and company procedures.
• Program methods, teach labware positions, create liquid classes, and perform testing on laboratory automation (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Agilent etc.)
• Design workflow protocols, code custom scripts, teach positions throughout system, and perform repetitive testing with collaborative robots.
• Collaborate with a development team to build a Laboratory Information Management System to interface with automation instruments.
• Reports status of assigned projects through the preparation of detailed reports and documentation that summarize experiment results. Interprets results of experiments and recommends alternative experiments.
• Works within established parameters on individual assignments, on project teams for longer-term projects and is a leader for a project team or group. Presents experimental results to supervisor or project team members and contributes ideas to improve team processes.
• Participates in technical decisions affecting product development issues. Identifies problems, investigates alternatives and recommends possible courses of action. Works with team members and other Business Unit personnel (operations, product transfer, project management, and quality departments) to meet department and project objectives.
• May prepare and/or contribute to articles for publication. Presents information at project meetings and may present findings at scientific meetings or to customers.
• May attend technical conferences or seminars. Maintains knowledge of technological developments that may assist in the completion of an assignment or lead to new products, processes or procedures by reading current literature.
• Effectively utilizes and applies advanced methods or technologies. Contributes ideas for new product development typically within existing markets.
• Collaborate with manufacturer and vendor service representatives for instrument maintenance, repair and installation, which may include travel to other sites.
• Provide training for laboratory personnel in proper equipment operation, preventive maintenance and repair techniques, which may include travel to other sites.
• Attend classes, seminars, and specialized training programs to remain current with changes in existing instrumentation and establish proficiency in new technology.
• Collaborate with scientific staff and the technical departments in the evaluation of equipment purchases and validation of new assays on complex analytical instrumentation.
• Collaborate with laboratory personnel in defining instrument interface requirements.
• Serve as a technical resource, which may include participation in the operation and preventive maintenance.
• Acts as a liaison with R&D, the Operations team, and the department managers to coordinate and accomplish the implementation of the new tests and modifications.
• Works closely with the technical department to address and troubleshoot issues or difficulties associated with instruments during instrument downtime.
• Coordinate and plan the moves of instrumentations to new designated spaces in collaboration with the laboratory departments.
• Perform other tasks as specified by the manager or director.

Qualifications:

Required Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s or degree Engineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years’ experience with complex Liquid Handler software (e.g. Venus, EVOware) or Scheduling software (e.g. GBG, Cellario)
• 4+ years’ experience with NGS assay development.
• Extensive Hamilton programming experience is required.

Preferred Work Experience:

• 5+ years of experience with liquid handling instrument script writing, liquid class development, and scheduler software programming.
• 4+ years of experience with integrated systems and laboratory automation
• Experience with diverse programming liquid handling instruments from manufacturers such as Hamilton, Tecan, or Perkin Elmer.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, C++, Java and C#
• Research experience in a clinical laboratory environment preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms in the operation of equipment or instruments located in the work environment.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and depth perception.
• Job duties are performed in a laboratory environment utilizing standard lab equipment.
• Some operations include the use of chemicals which require following safe handling procedures.
• The employee is frequently required to sit and stand; and is occasionally required to walk and stoop.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Work performed in designated areas may require the use of appropriate safety precautions and protective equipment.
• Must be able to work in a biohazard environment and comply with safety policies and procedures outlined in the Environmental Health & Safety Manual.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of lab operations
• Ability to work with and coordinate vendors and contracts.

Skills:

• Strong computer skills with programming languages such as Python, C++, Java and C#
• Must be able to work in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment and maintain production and quality standards determined by the department.

Education:
Bachelor's Degree(Required)

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