Systems Specialist II - Laboratory Automation
About The Position
We are looking for a self-motivated candidate to join the Drug Discovery Sample and Data Management team. This person will be an active member of the team in a state-of-the-art facility for high throughout preparation, storage and distribution of synthetic molecules and biologic samples, such as compounds, peptides, DNA, RNA and proteins, cell lines and other therapeutic modalities to support research and drug discovery efforts on-site at Genentech in South San Francisco. The successful candidate will support laboratory automation systems and workflows for sample acquisition, registration, preparation, distribution and storage and have strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills in order to work effectively with teammates and stakeholders. The ideal candidate must also be eager to learn, able to quickly adapt to a changing work environment, and collaborate actively with other group members in scaling up or down processes as business needs require.
Requirements
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in natural and/or life sciences related discipline.
- At least 5 years of experience with Hamilton VENUS programming and liquid class development.
- Experience with orchestration and scheduling software solutions such as Cellario, GBG, etc.
- Experience with troubleshooting large automated storage system hardware and associated software applications (e.g. Azenta).
- Ability to develop and execute test plans to validate the functionality of automated solutions.
- Ability to independently manage and resolve technical problems.
- Experience in troubleshooting, planning, executing, testing, and providing day-to-day lab support for automated systems and processes.
- Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate complex automation concepts and system impacts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to work collaboratively with third-party software and hardware development teams and equipment users.
- Proficiency in developing and maintaining detailed documentation for automated processes.
- Strong analytical skills to evaluate and optimize processes for efficiency and reliability, with a focus on automation and associated software applications.
- Self-motivated, enthusiastic, cooperative and reliable.
- The ability to be flexible and adapt to changing demands and processes while operating under pressure to meet deadlines.
- The ability to work accurately and with attention to detail.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with other scientific staff.
- Able to work well both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain excellent laboratory records.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with other liquid handling platforms such as Tecan, Agilent, etc.
- Experience with LIMS such as Titian Mosaic software and integrating laboratory equipment with LIMS.
- Experience with Beckman Coulter Echo (Access) platforms and associated software applications, troubleshooting, ensuring optimal performance, etc.
- Experience with integrating peripheral devices (i.e. capper/decappers, peelers/sealers, centrifuges, analytical instrumentation etc.) with liquid handling platforms.
- Experience with AI technologies: such as LLMs, chat bots, agents, etc. to automate workflows, routine tasks, document writing, etc.
Responsibilities
- Support laboratory automation systems and workflows for sample acquisition, registration, preparation, distribution and storage.
- Troubleshoot large automated storage system hardware and associated software applications.
- Develop and execute test plans to validate the functionality of automated solutions.
- Independently manage and resolve technical problems.
- Troubleshoot, plan, execute, test, and provide day-to-day lab support for automated systems and processes.
- Provide support and training to colleagues where necessary with regard to equipment or technical requirements for projects being carried out.
- Clearly communicate complex automation concepts and system impacts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment on requirements, timelines, and outcomes while proactively managing expectations and resolving cross-functional dependencies.
- Work collaboratively with third-party software and hardware development teams and equipment users.
- Develop and maintain detailed documentation for automated processes.
- Evaluate and optimize processes for efficiency and reliability, with a focus on automation and associated software applications.
- Perform other laboratory duties as assigned to ensure the smooth running of the laboratories.
Benefits
- A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.
- Benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
