Automation Engineer (m/f/d)

WuXi AppTec Group; Gräfelfing; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

WuXi AppTec Group in Germany seeks an Automation Engineer to support and expand its laboratory automation environment, collaborating with screening and assay scientists to implement robust automated workflows. You will program and configure automation software, develop C# and Python scripts, integrate third-party instruments, and ensure reliable data flow between instruments, schedulers and LIMS.

The role also involves troubleshooting, vendor coordination, evaluating new technologies, and

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in laboratory automation, including automation support in a drug discovery environment.
• Hands-on experience with robotics, integrated automation systems and a broad range of plate-based instrumentation.
• Proven experience with HighRes Biosolutions automation systems and strong working knowledge of Cellario scheduling software.
• Experience with common liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Biomek, Bravo) and dispensing technologies (e.g. Combi, Tempest, Certus Flex and Echo acoustic dispensers).
• Advanced programming skills in C# and Python, plus experience with SQL and relational databases such as PostgreSQL.
• Proven troubleshooting ability across instruments, software and system communication.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, including working with equipment vendors and external support teams.
• Working knowledge of additional scheduling platforms such as Green Button Go, Momentum, VWorks, DART or SAMI.
• Experience with LIMS and compound management platforms such as Mosaic or comparable systems.
• Familiarity with detection systems such as PHERAstar, high-content imagers and qPCR instruments.
• Understanding of biochemical, biophysical and cell-based assays, including technologies such as fluorescence, HTRF, AlphaLISA or NanoBRET.

Responsibilities

• Implement, optimize and maintain automated workflows for screening and assay execution, including high-throughput workflows in 384- and 1536-well formats.
• Program and configure automation, scheduling and instrument software, and develop C# and Python scripts to support automation workflows and system integration.
• Integrate third-party instruments into automated platforms.
• Support reliable connectivity and data flow between instruments, schedulers and LIMS.
• Maintain, troubleshoot and repair standalone and integrated automation equipment, coordinating vendor service where needed.
• Improve robotic scheduling, equipment utilization and overall workflow reliability.
• Evaluate new technologies through rapid prototyping, testing and implementation.
• Partner with screening teams to transfer established protocols onto automated platforms

Skills

C# programming

Python programming

SQL

Relational databases

Robotics

Laboratory automation

High-throughput workflows

LIMS integration

Tools

Cellario scheduling

HighRes Biosolutions

Green Button Go

Momentum

VWorks

DART

SAMI

PHERAstar

Job description

Overview

We are seeking for an Automation Engineer to support and further develop our laboratory automation environment. Working closely with our screening and assay scientists, you will implement robust automated workflows and keep our integrated systems running reliably.

The work ranges from day-to-day troubleshooting to evaluating new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Implement, optimize and maintain automated workflows for screening and assay execution, including high-throughput workflows in 384- and 1536-well formats.
• Program and configure automation, scheduling and instrument software, and develop C# and Python scripts to support automation workflows and system integration.
• Integrate third-party instruments into automated platforms.
• Support reliable connectivity and data flow between instruments, schedulers and LIMS.
• Maintain, troubleshoot and repair standalone and integrated automation equipment, coordinating vendor service where needed.
• Improve robotic scheduling, equipment utilization and overall workflow reliability.
• Evaluate new technologies through rapid prototyping, testing and implementation.
• Partner with screening teams to transfer established protocols onto automated platforms

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in laboratory automation, including automation support in a drug discovery environment.
• Hands-on experience with robotics, integrated automation systems and a broad range of plate-based instrumentation.
• Proven experience with HighRes Biosolutions automation systems and strong working knowledge of Cellario scheduling software.
• Experience with common liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Biomek, Bravo) and dispensing technologies (e.g. Combi, Tempest, Certus Flex and Echo acoustic dispensers).
• Advanced programming skills in C# and Python, plus experience with SQL and relational databases such as PostgreSQL.
• Proven troubleshooting ability across instruments, software and system communication.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, including working with equipment vendors and external support teams.
• Working knowledge of additional scheduling platforms such as Green Button Go, Momentum, VWorks, DART or SAMI.
• Experience with LIMS and compound management platforms such as Mosaic or comparable systems.
• Familiarity with detection systems such as PHERAstar, high-content imagers and qPCR instruments.
• Understanding of biochemical, biophysical and cell-based assays, including technologies such as fluorescence, HTRF, AlphaLISA or NanoBRET.