Automation Staff Scientist

IQVIA; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 79,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

IQVIA Laboratories in Durham, NC seeks an Automation Staff Scientist to provide hands-on scientific and technical leadership for automation workflows at the Durham/RTP site, focusing on genomic technologies. You will lead development, validation, and sustainment of automated assays, collaborate across functions, and mentor staff while pursuing opportunities for posters and publications.

Strong background in molecular biology, API integration, LIMS/ELN connectivity, and Python-based automation

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or educational equivalent in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology, pharmacology or related field.
• 8 years relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including high-throughput DNA sequencers, genotyping platforms, and real-time PCR equipment.
• Experience developing and validating automated molecular assays using genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, and gene expression.
• Experience developing and optimizing DNA and RNA extraction methodologies for liquid and tissue specimens.
• Experience with APIs and system integration, LIMS and ELN connectivity, scheduling or orchestration software, Python-based automation, and digitally integrated laboratory workflows.
• Other equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be accepted in lieu of degree.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the scientific lead for laboratory automation solutions supporting new product development and process improvement projects involving genomic technologies
• Lead the automation, development, optimization, and validation of molecular assays involving DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, gene expression, and nucleic acid extraction
• Develop and sustain integrated automation workflows incorporating liquid handlers, automated freezers, tri-coded tube infrastructure, APIs, LIMS, ELN, and scheduling or orchestration software
• Act as a subject matter expert for automating workflows across molecular biology, oncology, immunology, microbiology, and human genetics
• Create and review experimental designs, protocols, validation plans, procedures, technical documents, and reports while providing appropriate documentation review or approval
• Lead technical and strategic discussions, communicate automation and assay development strategies, and introduce new technologies across functions
• Research emerging technologies, assess functional initiatives, troubleshoot complex systems, and evaluate product, process, project, and schedule risks
• Train users, coach and mentor technical professionals, coordinate with external vendors, and pursue opportunities for posters, patents, and journal publications

Skills

Scientific leadership

Communication skills

Risk management

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree or educational equivalent in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology, pharmacology or related field

PhD (preferred but not required)

Tools

LIMS

ELN

APIs

Python

Automation hardware knowledge

Job description

We are seeking an Automation Staff Scientist to join IQVIA Laboratories at Durham, NC.

We hire passionate innovators who drive healthcare forward through thoughtful and inclusive collaboration. If you want to discover a career with greater purpose, join us as we transform and accelerate research and development.

Job Summary:

Provide hands-on scientific and technical leadership for the development, deployment, validation support, and sustainment of digitally integrated laboratory automation workflows at the Durham/RTP site. Lead automation solutions for genomic technologies while partnering across scientific, operational, quality, technology, and vendor teams to advance new products and improve laboratory processes.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Serve as the scientific lead for laboratory automation solutions supporting new product development and process improvement projects involving genomic technologies
• Lead the automation, development, optimization, and validation of molecular assays involving DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, gene expression, and nucleic acid extraction
• Develop and sustain integrated automation workflows incorporating liquid handlers, automated freezers, tri-coded tube infrastructure, APIs, LIMS, ELN, and scheduling or orchestration software
• Act as a subject matter expert for automating workflows across molecular biology, oncology, immunology, microbiology, and human genetics
• Create and review experimental designs, protocols, validation plans, procedures, technical documents, and reports while providing appropriate documentation review or approval
• Lead technical and strategic discussions, communicate automation and assay development strategies, and introduce new technologies across functions
• Research emerging technologies, assess functional initiatives, troubleshoot complex systems, and evaluate product, process, project, and schedule risks
• Train users, coach and mentor technical professionals, coordinate with external vendors, and pursue opportunities for posters, patents, and journal publications
  

What We Are Looking For:

• Master’s Degree or educational equivalent in cell biology, molecular biology, cancer biology, pharmacology or related field
• 8 years relevant experience
• Hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, including high-throughput DNA sequencers, genotyping platforms, and real-time PCR equipment
• Experience developing and validating automated molecular assays using genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing, amplification, genotyping, and gene expression
• Experience developing and optimizing DNA and RNA extraction methodologies for liquid and tissue specimens
• Experience with APIs and system integration, LIMS and ELN connectivity, scheduling or orchestration software, Python-based automation, and digitally integrated laboratory workflows
• Other equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be accepted in lieu of degree
  

The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Needed for This Role:

• Strong scientific leadership skills with the ability to influence assay development strategies and facilitate technical decision-making across functions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information, train laboratory staff, and adapt complex information for different audiences
• In-depth understanding of risk management concepts and the ability to evaluate product, process, project, and schedule risks
• Demonstrated ability to analyze molecular biology data, apply sound scientific judgment, troubleshoot technical issues, and assess the broader impact of decisions
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Laboratory Operations, Project Services, Bioinformatics, Software, IT, Quality, Facilities, Metrology, customers, and external partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using biostatistical software and online biological databases, including NCBI, PubMed, Entrez, EMBL, and Sanger resources
• Knowledge of Companion Diagnostics, Design Controls, clinical laboratory assay development, or CLIA environments is preferred but not required
• PhD is preferred but not required
  

What We Offer You:

We put our employees at the center of everything we do and are committed to providing them, and their families, with benefits that meet their diverse and changing needs. We invest in integrated benefits programs and resources to take care of our employees’ physical, mental and emotional, financial and social well-being so they can thrive at home and at work, at any stage of their well-being journey.

To learn more about our benefits, visit https://jobs.iqvia.com/benefits.

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com

IQVIA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law. https://jobs.iqvia.com/eoe

IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.

The potential base pay range for this role, when annualized, is $78,700.00 - $196,800.00. The actual base pay offered may vary based on a number of factors including job-related qualifications such as knowledge, skills, education, and experience; location; and/or schedule (full or part-time). Dependent on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered, in addition to a range of health and welfare and/or other benefits.