Automation Specialist

Spectraforce; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectraforce is seeking an Automation Specialist for a Complex In Vitro Systems (CIVM) laboratory. The role focuses on automating cell culture and assay workflows for advanced 3D models such as organoids, spheroids, and iPSC-based systems.

You will bridge cell biology and software to drive data integration and process improvements on-site in California. The ideal candidate combines hands-on biology with automation expertise, programming in Python and/or C#, and experience with lab data systems

Qualifications

• PhD with 0-3 years or Master's with 4-6 years in Biomedical/ Bioengineering or related field.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory automation and automated cell culture in academic, pharma, biotech, or CRO settings.
• Experience translating manual lab or cell culture processes into automated workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement automated workflows for in vitro cell culture and cellular assays.
• Translate manual procedures into automation-ready protocols.
• Program, test, qualify, and optimize automated workflows using integrated liquid-handling systems.
• Operate and support automation platforms and peripherals (liquid handlers, incubators, centrifuges, analyzers, imagers, plate-handling).
• Maintain SOPs, troubleshooting guides, and knowledge-transfer materials.

Skills

Laboratory automation

Python

C#

Cell culture

Data integration

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

PhD with 0-3 years

Master's with 4-6 years

Tools

Hamilton

Biomek

Opentrons

Tecan

LIMS

Job description

We are seeking a versatile Automation Specialist to join a Complex In Vitro Systems (CIVM) laboratory focused on developing, characterizing, and scaling advanced in vitro models that support drug discovery, preclinical development, and translational research.

The successful candidate will work within a cross-functional team to provide technical expertise in automating cell culture and assay workflows using complex biological models, including 3D multicellular systems such as organoids, spheroids, and iPSC-based models, with future applications involving microfluidic organ-on-chip technologies.

This is a highly hands-on, laboratory-based position for someone who can bridge cell biology, laboratory automation, programming, instrumentation, and data integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with scientists and technical teams to develop and implement automated workflows for complex in vitro cell culture and cellular assays.
• Translate manually performed cell culture and assay procedures into reliable, repeatable, automation-ready protocols.
• Program, test, qualify, execute, troubleshoot, and optimize automated workflows using integrated liquid-handling systems.
• Operate and support laboratory automation platforms and peripherals, including liquid handlers, automated incubators, centrifuges, analyzers, imagers, and plate-handling systems.
• Perform routine maintenance, dry tests, quality checks, and troubleshooting activities to ensure automation systems remain operational and ready for use.
• Support automation of CIVM culture and assays involving organoids, spheroids, iPSC models, and other 3D cellular systems.
• Drive integration of process data, instrument information, quality-control data, and experimental metadata with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data pipelines.
• Collaborate with internal scientists, data engineers, software developers, external vendors, and service providers to implement automation and data-integration solutions.
• Use Python and/or C# to support laboratory automation, data workflows, and process improvements.
• Help establish good Python development practices, including version control, collaborative development workflows, and appropriate use of AI-enabled development tools.
• Troubleshoot automation systems and workflows and prioritize requests within a multi-user, multi-application laboratory environment.
• Coordinate with external vendors regarding hardware and software modifications, system integrations, driver requests, and maintenance.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, and other materials required for knowledge transfer and system maintainability.
• Train and support laboratory personnel in the use of automated systems and workflows.
• Communicate technical capabilities and results through presentations, laboratory demonstrations, open-door sessions, and lab tours.

Required Qualifications

• PhD with 0-3 years of relevant experience or Master's degree with 4-6 years of relevant experience in Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomaterials, Immunology, Pharmacology, Cellular or Molecular Biology, Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory automation and automated cell culture in an academic, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or contract research environment.
• Demonstrated experience translating manual laboratory or cell culture processes into automated workflows.
• Experience operating, programming, troubleshooting, or integrating laboratory automation instrumentation and peripherals.
• Experience with liquid-handling platforms such as Hamilton, Biomek, Opentrons, Tecan, or similar systems.
• Experience with Python and/or C# and the ability to approach technical problems systematically.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with scientists and technical teams with varying levels of automation expertise.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with automation scheduling/orchestration platforms such as GreenButtonGo, Thermo Momentum, HiRes Cellario, or similar systems.
• Experience integrating laboratory instruments and process/QC data with LIMS or other laboratory data-management systems.
• Experience with complex in vitro models, including organoids, spheroids, iPSC models, 3D cell culture, or microphysiological systems.
• Experience with automated cell-based assays such as cell viability, flow cytometry, gene-expression analysis, high-content screening, 3D imaging, biomarker quantification, or TEER.
• Hands-on experience with primary cell cultures in 3D systems.
• Experience integrating liquid handlers with automated incubators, centrifuges, analyzers, imagers, or other laboratory peripherals.
• Experience with version control and collaborative Python development practices.
• Experience working with external vendors and service providers for laboratory automation systems.

This is an onsite, laboratory-based position. The role may involve extended periods of sitting or standing, repetitive activities such as cell culture, pipetting, and tube labeling, and work requiring a high degree of manual dexterity and physical activity.

The position may require flexibility in working hours, including occasional weekend or holiday work as needed.

The role may involve working with potentially hazardous materials, including chemotherapeutic agents, biological hazards, and human primary cells, in accordance with applicable laboratory safety procedures.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is someone who combines hands-on cell biology experience with laboratory automation expertise. They should be comfortable working directly at the bench, programming and troubleshooting automation platforms, collaborating with scientists to convert manual experiments into automated workflows, and partnering with technical teams to integrate instruments, data, and laboratory systems.

Candidates who have experience with automated cell culture, liquid handling, Python, 3D cell models, organoids/spheroids, and integrated laboratory automation are especially encouraged to apply.

equal opportunity employment