TDS CGT-Digital Automation Co-Op

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine • Malvern, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The TDS Cell & Gene Therapy Development Digital & Automation team is seeking a highly motivated Co-Op student to gain hands-on experience in laboratory automation, AI-driven systems, instrument integration, Python development, and human-in-the-loop automation workflows. The selected candidate will give to innovative solutions that improve scientific processes through automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced digital technologies.

Requirements

• Completion of Undergraduate Freshman year at an accredited University is required.
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Analytical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or related fields.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
• Candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited university throughout the duration of the co-op assignment.
• Proven programming experience in Python is required.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills are required.
• Familiarity with structured data formats such as JSON and CSV.
• Ability to read technical documentation and independently learn new tools, APIs, and technologies.
• Knowledge of software development fundamentals and scripting practices.
• Candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.
• You must not have any internship, co-op, or employment commitment that would interfere with the assignment dates for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to AI/ML technologies, Large Language Models (LLMs), or AI-agent tools is preferred.
• Experience working with APIs, SDKs, hardware integration, laboratory instruments, or automation systems is preferred.
• Understanding of error handling, control logic, state machines, and system monitoring concepts is preferred.
• Exposure to AI agent concepts such as tool usage, planning, human-in-the-loop workflows, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) is preferred.
• Basic laboratory skills and prior experience with laboratory work or laboratory automation (liquid handlers, robotics, or instrument control systems) are preferred.
• Excellent communication, presentation, leadership, and teamwork skills are preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently while contributing to team goals.

Responsibilities

• Prototyping a control layer that connects AI agents to laboratory liquid handling systems for direct command execution.
• Developing Python-based solutions to enable intelligent automation workflows.
• Implementing state-checking, observation, and decision-making logic between automated execution steps.
• Designing and testing mechanisms to identify execution issues such as clogged tips, low reagent levels, or instrument misalignment, and applying corrective actions.
• Building approval checkpoints that allow scientists to review and authorize plans or critical actions before execution.
• Creating guardrails, logging systems, and state-tracking tools to ensure transparency, auditability, and safe operation of AI-enabled systems.
• Supporting integration efforts between instruments, APIs, SDKs, and automation platforms.
• Collaborating with scientists and engineers to develop innovative automation solutions and provide project support as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed