Automation Engineer I

Karius•Redwood City, CA

47d•Onsite

About The Position

As an Automation Engineer I, you will collaborate with scientific leaders in NGS based infectious disease diagnostics to improve patient care and support company growth. You will assist in developing, testing, and optimizing new automated methods with R&D, analyze resulting data, and help release and train Production staff on new or updated methods. You will also support process excellence for our state of the art NGS diagnostic assay in the CLIA production lab by maintaining and troubleshooting CLIA validated automation systems and helping expand capacity by validating new robotic platforms and increasing throughput. The ideal candidate has laboratory experience, is skilled in programming liquid handlers (Hamilton preferred), and is eager to learn and take on new challenges. Work shift: Tuesday to Saturday

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
1 to 3 years industry experience.
1 to 3 years of Hamilton programming and troubleshooting experience.
Proven record of critical thinking, attention to detail, good presentation skills, good communication skills, and thorough record-keeping.

Nice To Haves

Experience with equipment and processes, including automating molecular biology processes, used in NGS diagnostics (PCR thermocyclers, extraction, library generation, etc.), preferred.
Experience with advanced analytical tools like JMP, R, and Matlab is preferred.

Responsibilities

Upgrade instruments and software when applicable.
Programming, developing, optimizing, and validating new automated methods.
Help design and optimize automated workflows for high-throughput processing of clinical samples, library prep, and NGS.
Assist with scoping out project needs for new automated methods.
Work cross-functionally to ensure successful project execution and meeting deliverables on time.
Interface with lab automation suppliers for service visits, installations, and other needs.
Conduct manufacturing and experimental processes according to established SOPs.
Document and develop new SOPs for new processes and validation reports for automated processes and contribute to regulatory submissions as needed.
Support of automated CLIA diagnostic processes.
Train lab personnel on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated systems and provide technical support as needed.
Work comfortably in a fast-paced, collaborative, startup environment.
Staying updated on advancements in automation technologies, genomics, and infectious disease diagnostics to propose and implement innovative solutions.
Troubleshoot technical issues related to automated systems, perform routine maintenance, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards and quality control measures.
May be required to perform other duties as assigned.