Lab Automation Engineer

Zifo•Cambridge, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Zifo Lab Automation Engineer provides technical laboratory automation services, including multivendor instrument, information technology and validation/compliance services when applicable. The individual will provide the consulting skills required to analyze customer needs and gaps to propose solutions for the desired state. He or she will work with business users and managers of customers in conjunction with the internal Zifo support team. Provides technical support of customer laboratory environments. Ensures that common automation equipment is properly maintained and in good working order. This includes stand-alone liquid handlers (Hamilton, Echo, Tecan, etc), plate readers (SpectraMax, Envision, Neo2, etc) plate washers/dispensers, as well as several fully integrated robotic systems. Installs, operates, maintains, QC, troubleshoots problems, creates methods/scripts, and trains users on instruments. Configures in-lab settings for automation software (eg: Cellario, Green Button Go) as required to train robotic equipment. Performs unit test scripts for in-Lab automation equipment to validate the remote programmed software. Able to build and operate debugging scripts and perform simple parallel development in the production environment. Modifies existing systems, instruments, methods and software to meet evolving needs. Works collaboratively with discovery, engineering and expression groups at the local sites to optimize research efficiencies through implementation of automation process improvements and novel technologies. Ensures adherence to client’s corporate policies through periodic reporting and compliance programs. Documents procedures, policies, troubleshooting and best practices. Performs system preventative maintenances based on client’s schedule, if applicable.

Requirements

Knowledge of laboratory safety practices as defined by the company and/or customer’s site safety code
Experience in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and scripting for liquid handlers, dispensers, plate washers, plate readers, Octet, etc. required.
Programming experience using Python, Java, C# or VB.NET
Experience with scheduling, operation, training and troubleshooting of fully integrated robotic systems
Exemplary interpersonal skills including the ability to work with other automation engineers and non-automation scientists.
Excellent organizational skills, as exemplified by an aptitude for clear record-keeping and data analysis, and the ability to prioritize work across multiple projects.
Excellent customer service skills complemented by an ability to listen to and interpret client requests
Ability to troubleshoot complex instrument and technology issues
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to identify, track and complete tasks for multiple projects
Independent, self-motivated & results driven individual
Willingness & ability to acquire quickly new technical skills & business principles
Ability for Critical Thinking and Logical Reasoning
Bachelor of Science in computer science, life science or equivalent industry experience
5+ years of relevant technical experience including (but not limited to); biotech/pharmaceutical company or an automation provider.

Nice To Haves

Expertise with Hi-Res BioSolutions’ Cellario or Biosero’s Green Button Go scheduling software is a plus.
Experience with Titian Mosaic is a plus
Good understanding of pharmaceutical research and drug Discovery & development processes and biologics workflows (preferred, not required)
Experience with scientific instrumentation (preferred)

Responsibilities

Provides technical support of customer laboratory environments
Ensure that common automation equipment is properly maintained and in good working order.
Install, operate, maintain, QC, troubleshoot problems, create methods/scripts, and train users on instruments
Configured in-lab settings for automation software (eg: Cellario, Green Button Go) as required to train robotic equipment.
Perform unit test scripts for in-Lab automation equipment to validate the remote programmed software.
Able to build and operate debugging scripts and perform simple parallel development in the production environment.
Modify existing systems, instruments, methods and software to meet evolving needs.
Work collaboratively with discovery, engineering and expression groups at the local sites to optimize research efficiencies through implementation of automation process improvements and novel technologies
Ensures adherence to client’s corporate policies through periodic reporting and compliance programs
Document procedures, policies, troubleshooting and best practices
Perform system preventative maintenances based on client’s schedule, if applicable