Biotech Lab Automation Engineer — Python & Robotics

Plasmidsaurus; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Plasmidsaurus is seeking a lab automation software engineer in San Francisco to help scale our fleet of robotic lab systems and data pipelines. You will build tools that connect R&D with automation, enabling scientists to run high-throughput experiments and generate reliable results with our LIMS integration.

You will work closely with scientists and technicians to deliver production-grade Python software, deploy across devices, and advance automation workflows in a fast-growing biotech

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Biology, or relevant work experience
• 3+ years of Python programming
• 3+ years writing web apps with Flask or Django
• 1+ year lab experience with molecular biology protocols
• 1+ year automating lab procedures with liquid handling systems (OpenTrons, Hamilton)
• Experience with orchestration and deploying software to multiple devices (Docker, Ansible)
• Experience with cloud platforms and IaC (AWS, Terraform)
• Experience building QA/telemetry/monitoring for fleets of hardware
• Experience with Linux servers
• Experience with OpenCV
• (Preferred) 3D printing/CAD (Fusion 360)
• (Preferred) C#/.NET for scripting automation
• (Preferred) DNA sequence analysis interest

Responsibilities

• Orchestrate and instrument our fleet of lab robotics
• Create tools bridging R&D and lab automation
• Write production-quality Python code to integrate hardware with LIMS and data pipelines
• Collaborate with scientists to develop high-throughput workflows
• Build world-class lab automation at a leading biotech company

Skills

Python programming

Lab automation

OpenCV basics

Linux command line

Cloud platforms

Education

BS/MS/PhD in CS/Robotics/Biology

Tools

Docker

Ansible

AWS

Terraform

OpenTrons

Hamilton

Job description

About Plasmidsaurus

Plasmidsaurus is on a mission to accelerate new cures and promote a healthier planet by unlocking a new level of productivity for scientists. Our sequencing services are used daily by thousands of innovators, including Nobel laureates, Fortune 100 pharma, and over 70,000 scientists.

We began by revolutionizing plasmid sequencing, making it exponentially cheaper and faster, with innovative sequencing technologies and a global network of laboratories that turn samples into answers in hours, not weeks.

Now we are expanding that same disruptive model across all of genomics. With the launch of our new RNA-seq service, we are taking a bold step toward our vision to sequence everything, providing scientists everywhere with faster, simpler, and more affordable access to the data that powers discovery.

Every team member at Plasmidsaurus plays a crucial role in driving the future of biotech research. Together, we are building the world’s most efficient sequencing engine that operates overnight, scales globally, and helps scientists make breakthroughs faster than ever before.

Position Overview

Our automation team plays a pivotal role in delivering top quality data to our customers at unbeatable speeds. We are looking for a lab automation software engineer to join us on our mission to sequence everything. You will:

• Orchestrate and instrument our growing fleet of lab robotics.


• Create agentic tools that bridge RnD and lab automation, enabling scientists to answer questions faster than ever before.


• Write production-quality python code to integrate physical hardware with our custom LIMS and data pipeline.


• Collaborate with our world-class scientists and technicians to develop robust high throughput sample processing workflows.


• Build world class lab automation at one of the most exciting and dynamic companies in biotech.

Culture

You will excel if you are someone who:

• Is dissatisfied with scripting proprietary liquid handlers and schedulers.


• Builds new tools when existing software and hardware options are insufficient.


• Enjoys high agency and high ownership work.


• Is curious about learning from other people’s expertise in scientific/biological domains.


• Is excited to make an impact on the scientific community, enabling the next generation of medicines, biotechnology, and even plant-based-meats!


• Can lead projects from idea to production independently.


• Is a life-long learner.


• Values clear communication and helping others learn new skills.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Biology, or relevant work experience


• 3+ years of experience programming in Python


• 3+ years of experience using modern web frameworks like Flask/Django


• 1 + yrs lab experience and familiarity with molecular biology protocols


• 1+ years of experience automating, optimizing and scaling lab procedures using liquid handling systems (OpenTrons, Hamilton, etc.) and lab robotics


• Experience with orchestration and deploying software to multiple devices in the field (e.g. Docker, Ansible)


• Experience with cloud platforms and infrastructure-as-code (e.g., AWS, Terraform)


• Experience with building & maintaining QA, telemetry, and monitoring systems for a fleet of physical hardware


• Experience working with Linux servers


• Experience with simple computer vision (e.g., OpenCV)


• (Preferred) Experience with 3D printing (e.g., Fusion 360) and basic CAD modeling


• (Preferred) Some experience with C# and .NET frameworks for scripting automation equipment


• (Preferred) Interest in learning about biotechnology and DNA sequence analysis

Why Plasmidsaurus?

• IMPACT: Your work will directly contribute to accelerating biotech research. This research is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for stopping climate change and developing novel therapies.


• INNOVATION: Work on the cutting edge of biotech and software, introducing indispensable tools to top-tier researchers.


• COMMUNITY: Join a passionate, resourceful team that values close, interactive relationships with our customers and each other.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need additional accommodations to feel comfortable during your interview process, please let us know at [e-mail].