Advisor - Lab Automation Software Engineer

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 228,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Pension

Medical benefits

Job summary

Initial Therapeutics, Inc. is seeking a Lab Automation Software Engineering Advisor to develop innovative software solutions at the Lilly Biotechnology Center in San Diego. The role focuses on designing AI-integrated lab environments that enhance biotherapeutics discovery through automation.

Qualified candidates will hold advanced degrees in relevant fields and possess extensive experience in programming languages like Python, SQL, and JavaScript. Comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation ranging from $141,000 to $228,800 will be offered to the right candidate.

Qualifications

• At least three years of industry experience with a Ph.D.
• At least 10 years of experience with an M.S.
• At least 13 years of experience with a B.S.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop software applications for automated laboratory workflows.
• Build data pipelines and visualization tools for lab operations.
• Implement machine learning models to enhance operational efficiency.

Skills

Python

SQL

JavaScript

Statistical analysis tools

DevOps practices

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering

M.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering

B.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering

Tools

AWS

Azure

Tableau

Power BI

GitHub

Job description

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life‑changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

We are seeking a Lab Automation Software Engineering Advisor to join our biotherapeutics discovery automation team at the Lilly Biotechnology Center in San Diego, where you'll architect and implement revolutionary software solutions that transform how we discover life‑saving biotherapeutics.

Role Overview

As a Lab Automation Software Engineering Advisor, you'll be at the forefront of designing and building AI‑integrated, closed‑loop autonomous discovery ecosystems whereby intelligent systems propose hypotheses, execute experiments through advanced robotics, analyze results instantly, and iteratively refine the next set of experiments — all with minimal human intervention. In your role, you'll harness the latest breakthroughs in AI, machine learning, and laboratory digitalization to build software that makes our biotherapeutics discovery automation lab smarter, faster, and more innovative than ever before.

Opportunities

• Design and develop software applications that orchestrate complex automated laboratory workflows and closed‑loop learning systems.
• Build data pipelines and visualization tools that provide real‑time insights into lab operations and experimental outcomes.
• Implement machine learning models for visual inspection systems, predictive maintenance, and process optimization that enhance operational efficiency.
• Create digital lab infrastructure including IoT integrations, digital lab twin models, and telemetry monitoring systems.
• Develop and maintain integrations across multiple automation schedulers, LIMS, and data platforms.
• Ensure robust software deployment through best DevOps practices and cloud‑based solutions.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering with at least three years of industry experience.
• M.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering with at least 10 years of experience.
• B.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioengineering/Engineering with at least 13 years of experience.
• Experience should include relevant industry experience, preferably in a pharmaceutical company or an automation provider.

Additional Skills/Preferences

• Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, and JavaScript, with working knowledge of programming/scripting in C#, VBA, R, C++, MATLAB, and Bash.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools (JMP, SAS, R) and business intelligence platforms (Tableau, Power BI, Spotfire).
• Expertise in best DevOps practices, including database management systems (DBMS), data warehousing, software development, cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure), and version control tools (GitHub, GitLab).
• Experience with lab digitalization technologies (IoT device integration, digital lab twins, automated usage and error reporting telemetry metrics) as well as autonomous lab systems and closed‑loop learning frameworks is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with lab data platforms including Benchling, LabGuru, PostgreSQL, Genedata, or similar LIMS/ELN systems.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work cross‑functionally with scientific and engineering teams.
• Background in life sciences, pharmaceutical research, or high‑throughput screening environments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Compensation and Benefits

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $141,000 – $228,800. Full‑time employees will also be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company‑sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well‑being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.