cfDNA & NGS Automation Engineer — Robotics Specialist

CellMax Life Inc; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CellMax Life Inc. seeks a hands-on Automation Engineer / Robotics Specialist to lead automated laboratory workflows for cfDNA-based cancer screening assays.

The role focuses on building a scalable automation platform for cfDNA sample processing and Illumina library preparation using established sequencing technologies. You will independently develop robotic methods, troubleshoot complex workflows, and collaborate with assay scientists to achieve reliable analytical performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Automation Engineering, Robotics, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• At least 3–5 years of hands-on experience developing and implementing laboratory automation workflows.
• Demonstrated experience programming and debugging liquid-handling robots, preferably Hamilton, Agilent Bravo, Beckman Coulter Biomek, or comparable platforms.
• Proven ability to write custom automation scripts and translate laboratory protocols into automated methods.
• Experience with NGS library preparation, molecular biology workflows, DNA purification, or related sample-preparation processes.
• Strong understanding of liquid handling, magnetic-bead purification, reaction setup, thermal cycling, and multistep plate-based workflows.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills and the ability to independently drive automation projects from development through implementation.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and optimize automated laboratory workflows for cfDNA processing and Illumina library preparation.
• Lead the selection and integration of automation platforms (Hamilton, Agilent, Beckman) and configure decks and workflows.
• Develop and maintain custom robotic scripts; ensure version control and documentation.
• Collaborate with assay development, quality, and regulatory teams to meet performance criteria.
• Provide technical support and training for workflow transfer to routine operations.

Skills

Robot scripting

Liquid handling

NGS automation

Instrument integration

Education

Bachelor's or master's in Automation Engineering / Robotics / Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Hamilton VENUS

Agilent VWorks

Beckman Biomek

Job description

CellMax Life Inc. seeks a hands-on Automation Engineer / Robotics Specialist to lead automated laboratory workflows for cfDNA-based cancer screening assays.

The role focuses on building a scalable automation platform for cfDNA sample processing and Illumina library preparation using established sequencing technologies. You will independently develop robotic methods, troubleshoot complex workflows, and collaborate with assay scientists to achieve reliable analytical performance.