Automation Specialist

Planet Pharma; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma seeks an Automation Specialist to advance CIVM automation within the CiS Technologies team in South San Francisco. You will design and implement automated workflows, translate manual cell culture into scalable processes, and ensure data integrity through LIMS integration.

The role requires expertise in Python/C#, automation platforms, and collaboration with scientists, vendors, and software teams to deliver reliable CIVM assays and data pipelines.

Qualifications

• PhD (0-3 years) or Masters (4-6 years) in a biomedical field.
• Experience automating cell culture and CIVMs.
• Experience with automation instruments and data systems.
• Familiarity with Python or C#.
• Ability to translate experiments to automated workflows.

Responsibilities

• Automate CIVM culture and assays and scale-up processes.
• Translate manual protocols into automated workflows with programming and testing.
• Qualify and execute automated CIVM culture on integrated systems.
• Maintain automation platforms and perform dry tests.
• Collaborate with vendors, data engineers, and software developers for best practices.
• Document processes with SOPs and provide knowledge sharing.

Skills

Python

C#

Automation programming

LIMS integration

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in biomedical engineering or related field

Masters in related field

Tools

Hamilton automation systems

Biomek

Opentrons

Job description

The Position:

We are looking for a versatile Automation Specialist to work within the Complex in vitro Systems (CiS) Laboratory, where we design, develop, and characterize complex in vitro models (CIVM) to support the larger Development Sciences, Research, and Translational Medicine departments.

In particular, the individual will be working in a cross functional team dedicated to providing technical expertise to automate scaling, processing, and assays using CIVMs. Currently the CIVMs include 3D multicellular models consisting of organoids and spheroids with aspiration to automate microfluidic organ-on-chip technologies. Our CIVM assays are developed to support both discovery and preclinical development portfolios broadly through multiple contexts of use, including safety, disposition, biomarker development, and pharmacodynamic responses.

As part of the CiS Technologies team that establishes, qualifies, executes and maintains innovative, state-of-the-art technologies / platforms, we are looking for someone who will help us drive process and data integration and focus on advancing the operational capabilities of our automation and liquid handling systems.

In this laboratory-based role your impact will include:

• Work in a dynamic and innovative team to pioneer automation of CIVM culture (e.g. organoids, iPSC models, etc.) and assays.

• Collaborate with scientists to translate manual cell culture and assay experiment processes into new automated workflows, including programming, testing, qualification and execution.

• Qualify and execute automated CIVM culture and assays on our integrated liquid handling system

• Perform regular maintenance tasks and dry tests to ensure the readiness and sterility of the automation platforms

• Drive the integration of data management, analysis pipelines and data automation by aligning with internal and external stakeholders.

• Train and support team members in formalizing Python development practices, including version control, collaborative workflows, and AI tool integration, with a focus on biology applications.

• Document and report all relevant processes using SOPs, and share capabilities with colleagues in and outside the group in presentations, open door sessions and lab tours.

This position is laboratory-based and will include: sitting or standing for extended periods, performing repetitive tasks such as cell culture, pipetting and labeling tubes, performing techniques involving a high degree of manual dexterity and physical activity, flexibility as to work schedule (i.e. may need variation in hours worked and timing of those hours which may include weekend/holiday work as needed only), work with potentially hazardous materials including, but not limited to chemotherapeutics, biological hazards, and human primary cells.

Who You Are:

The ideal candidate will design, develop, operate, and maintain automated protocols and systems for complex cell culture and assay process scale up. The successful candidate will work closely with other automation specialists and biologists to ensure regular maintenance of instrumentation and perform quality control of automated systems and equipment. They will also collaborate with a team of external vendors, data engineers, and software developers to implement automation best practices and proper process metadata tracking with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) integration. Importantly, the candidate will have direct experience translating lab experiments developed by individual scientists into automation-ready protocols that can run repeatedly at scale.

Successful candidates will possess the following skills/attributes:

• PhD with 0-3 years of experience or Masters with 4-6 years of experience in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomaterials, immunology, pharmacology, cellular or molecular biology, toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field is required.

• Candidates must have experience in automation of cell culture in either academia, pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries, or contract research organizations.

• Experience with automation and/or implementation of CIVMs is a plus.

• Experience operating, programming, and integrating automation instrumentation and peripherals including but not limited to liquid handling platforms (e.g. Hamilton, Biomek, Opentron, BioTek washers), automated incubators, centrifuges, analyzers, and imagers.

• Experience working with Python and/or C# and enjoy solving challenges systematically by using your analytical and technical skills

• Experience with automation scheduling software (e.g. GreenButtonGo, Thermo Momentum, HiRes Cellario, etc.) is highly preferred

• Experience with integrating instrument and process quality control (QC) data with LIMS tools

• Track record of translating hands-on cell culture work into automated protocols

• Hands on experience with at least several cellular assays (cell viability, flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, high content screening, 3D imaging analysis, biomarker quantification, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), etc.) is of advantage

• Hands on experience with primary cell cultures in 3D is a plus (could be organoids, layered cultures, or spheroid work)

• Experience troubleshooting automation systems & workflows and ability to prioritize in a multi-user and multi-application environment.

• Coordinating with external vendors and service providers for hardware/software modifications, driver requests, and system maintenance.

• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation for automation systems, procedures, and troubleshooting guides to ensure knowledge transfer and system maintainability.

• Passionate about collaborating in a cross-functional team in a multicultural environment.

• Strong communication skills and ability to efficiently interact with scientists with different backgrounds and limited experience with automation.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, interact professionally and present data to all levels of staff and external partners is required

Pay Rate Range: 45-55/hr depending on expereince