Automation Engineer, ECE Administration

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SilkRoad in Boston is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, implement, and maintain code-driven laboratory workflows for molecular biology and synthetic biology applications.

You will write automation scripts for liquid handling platforms (Opentrons, Hamilton) and integrate APIs and data systems to orchestrate workflows, including 3D-printed hardware components.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain code-driven laboratory workflows for molecular biology and synthetic biology applications.
• Write automation scripts and software to program, control, and troubleshoot liquid handling platforms including Opentrons and Hamilton systems.
• Build integrations with instrument APIs and laboratory data systems to enable automated data transfer and workflow orchestration.
• Design and implement custom laboratory hardware solutions, including 3D-printed components.

Job description

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, training and internal pay comparison. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

The Automation Engineer will design, implement, and maintain code-driven laboratory workflows for molecular biology and synthetic biology applications, including documentation, validation, and version control. This role involves writing automation scripts and software to program, control, and troubleshoot liquid handling platforms — including Opentrons and Hamilton systems — and implementing Hamilton VENUS methods in code to translate established biological workflows into validated automated processes. The engineer will build integrations with instrument APIs and laboratory data systems to enable automated data transfer and workflow orchestration, and will also design and implement custom laboratory hardware solutions, including 3D-printed components. This role requires close collaboration with software engineers, project managers, and laboratory staff to convert manual protocols into robust, code-based automated systems, with familiarity across multiple automation platforms and vendor ecosystems considered a plus.

Required Skills

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.