Automation Staff Scientist

IQVIA • Durham, NC

5d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an Automation Staff Scientist to join IQVIA Laboratories at Durham, NC. We hire passionate innovators who drive healthcare forward through thoughtful and inclusive collaboration. If you want to discover a career with greater purpose, join us as we transform and accelerate research and development. Provide hands-on scientific and technical leadership for the development, deployment, validation support, and sustainment of digitally integrated laboratory automation workflows at the Durham/RTP site. Lead automation solutions for genomic technologies while partnering across scientific, operational, quality, technology, and vendor teams to advance new products and improve laboratory processes.

Requirements

• Master's Degree or educational equivalent in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology, pharmacology or related field
• 8 years relevant experience
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including high-throughput DNA sequencers, genotyping platforms, and real-time PCR equipment
• Experience developing and validating automated molecular assays using genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, and gene expression
• Experience developing and optimizing DNA and RNA extraction methodologies for liquid and tissue specimens
• Experience with APIs and system integration, LIMS and ELN connectivity, scheduling or orchestration software, Python-based automation, and digitally integrated laboratory workflows
• Other equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be accepted in lieu of degree
• Strong scientific leadership skills with the ability to influence assay development strategies and facilitate technical decision-making across functions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information, train laboratory staff, and adapt complex information for different audiences
• In-depth understanding of risk management concepts and the ability to evaluate product, process, project, and schedule risks
• Demonstrated ability to analyze molecular biology data, apply sound scientific judgment, troubleshoot technical issues, and assess the broader impact of decisions
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Laboratory Operations, Project Services, Bioinformatics, Software, IT, Quality, Facilities, Metrology, customers, and external partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using biostatistical software and online biological databases, including NCBI, PubMed, Entrez, EMBL, and Sanger resources

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Companion Diagnostics, Design Controls, clinical laboratory assay development, or CLIA environments is preferred but not required
• PhD is preferred but not required

Responsibilities

• Serve as the scientific lead for laboratory automation solutions supporting new product development and process improvement projects involving genomic technologies
• Lead the automation, development, optimization, and validation of molecular assays involving DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, gene expression, and nucleic acid extraction
• Develop and sustain integrated automation workflows incorporating liquid handlers, automated freezers, tri-coded tube infrastructure, APIs, LIMS, ELN, and scheduling or orchestration software
• Act as a subject matter expert for automating workflows across molecular biology, oncology, immunology, microbiology, and human genetics
• Create and review experimental designs, protocols, validation plans, procedures, technical documents, and reports while providing appropriate documentation review or approval
• Lead technical and strategic discussions, communicate automation and assay development strategies, and introduce new technologies across functions
• Research emerging technologies, assess functional initiatives, troubleshoot complex systems, and evaluate product, process, project, and schedule risks
• Train users, coach and mentor technical professionals, coordinate with external vendors, and pursue opportunities for posters, patents, and journal publications

Benefits

• We invest in integrated benefits programs and resources to take care of our employees’ physical, mental and emotional, financial and social well-being so they can thrive at home and at work, at any stage of their well-being journey.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior