Automation Engineer ECE Administration

Boston University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston University seeks an Automation Engineer to design, implement, and maintain code-driven lab workflows for molecular and synthetic biology. You will document, validate, and version-control workflows, translating protocols into automated processes.

You will write automation scripts to program liquid handling platforms (Opentrons, Hamilton) and integrate with instrument APIs and laboratory data systems, enabling automated data transfer and orchestration.

Qualifications

• Must have experience designing and implementing code-driven lab workflows.
• Proficiency with automation scripting and robotics in biology labs.
• Experience integrating software with lab instruments and data systems.

Skills

Automation scripting

Laboratory automation

Opentrons

Hamilton systems

Tools

APIs

LIMS integration

3D printing

Job description

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. _

Required Experience

Qualifications:
_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. _