Automation Engineer
About The Position
IFF is seeking an Automation Engineer to advance scientific discovery through laboratory automation and innovative technologies. The role is based on-site in Palo Alto, California, and partners with Research & Development scientists to identify automation opportunities and implement high-throughput laboratory solutions. The engineer designs, builds, optimizes, and scales automated workflows; translates molecular biology, biochemistry, and analytical workflows into automated protocols; and evaluates emerging technologies, instruments, and automation platforms. The position uses data and scientific insights to improve processes, data quality, and metadata capture. It provides technical support for automation hardware and software, including maintenance coordination and troubleshooting, and collaborates with data science, Information Technology, facility teams, and global research teams to strengthen data management, support laboratory operations, transfer technologies, and promote best practices across research sites.
Requirements
- Master's degree or higher in Life Sciences, Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in laboratory automation.
- Experience designing, developing, and maintaining low-level control software and device integrations for laboratory instruments or robotic devices.
- Expertise translating wet-lab biologics workflows into automated solutions, including building, programming, and orchestrating integrated laboratory systems and operating automated liquid-handling, sample-handling, and laboratory robotics.
- Experience supporting high-throughput screening workflows.
- Programming experience with Python or similar languages.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience evaluating and implementing emerging laboratory automation technologies.
- Ability to translate laboratory workflows into automation concepts, collaborate with vendors, complete factory and site acceptance testing, and implement systems in the laboratory.
- Low-level programming of laboratory instruments or robotics devices.
- Knowledge of laboratory data management systems and scientific data infrastructure.
- Adaptability, proactivity, and a continuous focus on learning and process improvement.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to help solve and innovate technical processes and advancements in laboratory automation.
Responsibilities
- Partner with Research & Development scientists to identify automation opportunities and implement high-throughput and automated laboratory solutions.
- Design, build, optimize, and scale automated laboratory workflows that improve efficiency, quality, and scientific outcomes.
- Translate molecular biology, biochemistry, and analytical workflows into automated protocols and robust laboratory processes.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, instruments, and automation platforms to support innovation and continuous improvement.
- Use data and scientific insights to identify process improvements and enhance data quality and metadata capture.
- Provide technical support for laboratory automation hardware and software, coordinating maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with data science, Information Technology, and facility teams to strengthen data management capabilities.
- Support laboratory operations and infrastructure to ensure efficient execution of research activities.
- Partner with global teams to support technology transfers and promote best practices across research sites.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- 401(k).
- Vacation and holidays.
- 16 weeks of paid parental leave (maternity and paternity).
- Annual bonus plan.
- Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and advancements in biotechnology.
- Meaningful work advancing solutions for protein and strain engineering, biochemistry, and related technologies.
- Opportunity to collaborate with global, diverse, cross-functional teams.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
