Lab Automation Applications Specialist (MIdwest)

Becton Dickinson; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 67,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) invites you to join a field-based role supporting Waters Kiestra lab automation platforms across the Midwest. You will train customers, tailor automation workflows, and collaborate with service and sales teams to drive adoption and satisfaction.

The position requires 5+ years in clinical labs, strong training skills, and up to 75% travel, with a valid driver’s license. BD emphasizes safety, compliance, and customer-focused excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in Medical Technology or related field is required.
• 5+ years in a clinical hospital or reference lab setting preferred.
• Travel domestically up to 75% with valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Conducts comprehensive user training on Waters Lab Automation systems and achieves customer proficiency.
• Uncovers customer needs and implements customized automation solutions.
• Collaborates with Technical Service and Field Service to optimize customer experience.
• Supports sales with technical demonstrations and product features at trade shows and customer sites.
• Drives implementation and documentation for Kiestra Lab Automation platforms.

Skills

Lab automation training

Customer training

Project management

Clinical lab experience

Travel readiness

Education

BS in Medical Technology or related

Tools

Waters Kiestra Lab Automation

MS Office

LIS basics

Job description

As a result of the combination of the BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), by applying to this role, you will be applying for a position with Waters. Waters is a global leader in life sciences, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, Waters’ innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across biology, chemistry, and physics. Waters collaborates with analytical laboratories around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, assure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combatting growing antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, Waters’ passionate team of approximately 16,000 colleagues partner with customers to turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide. We are the people who give possibilities purpose BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

Job Description This is a FIELD role with 75% Travel primarily in the Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin) - Ideal candidate will reside within the region and commutable to major airport.

Responsibilities

• Technical / Application Training Conducts comprehensive user training on Waters Lab Automation systems and achieves customer proficiency, efficient utilization, and self-sufficiency
• Shows strength in application laboratory automation systems and software by uncovering customer’s needs, implementing customized solutions, and assuring rapid adoption
• Contributes to laboratory workflow productivity and other customer needs to enhance efficiency and efficacy of platform training
• Collaborates with Technical Service and Support and Field Service to optimize customer experience
• Provides expertise in all stages of the sales cycle by assisting sales associates in enlightening technical features and functions of Waters lab automation systems
• Actively engages in regional Sales and Marketing programs in delivering efficient service portfolio to the customers
• Ensures the fulfillment of and adherence to internal policies and procedures
• Actively provides product and platform knowledge and technical input to Research and Development for continual product improvement
• Drives implementation process and full utilization Kiestra Lab Automation systems Documentation Development & Compliance
• Collaborates with BD Technical and Training Center associates to develop training programs and departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for instrumented platforms
• Ensures the fulfillment, continual improvement, and critical review of field-related job aides, learning aides, certification manuals, presentations, and evaluations including package inserts, software system specifications and other technical documentation
• Maintains appropriate records and documentation as required by the department and company
• Sales and Marketing Support Conducts product demonstrations while promoting product value to support the sales of BD platforms at trade shows, BD sponsored workshops, and customer sites Provides technical input to National and World-Wide Marketing Managers Assists local, regional, and national sales associates and management during the sale of Kiestra lab automation platforms by providing customized presentations Sales supporting activities promoting organizational change
• Proficient in guiding/training: Instructs, observes, evaluates trainees on medical equipment; identifies learning gaps.
• Project Management (Proficient): Achieves operational objectives by supplying information and recommendations to implement Waters instrumented platforms including Preparing and completing actions to industry and customer-service standards Assuring projects are on-time, in budget, and within specifications Determining system improvements and implementing organizational change Managing from sales support to post go-live Driving for results
• Customer Focus (Mastery): Is dedicated to meeting the expectation and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first‑hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.

Required Skills/Experience

• B.S. degree or equivalent experience in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biological Sciences, or Microbiology, required.
• Advanced degree desirable.
• 5+ years proven experience in a clinical hospital or reference laboratory setting
• Training in "Train-the-Trainer" methods, instructional design / development, adult educational methods desirable
• Ability to travel domestically.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver's license and meet BD's auto safety standards. (MVR clear for last, most recent 3-5 years)
• Travel required; up to 75%, as needed
• Knowledge of technical and workflow related aspects important to implementation of lab automation instrument platforms within clinical and public health laboratory settings
• Demonstrated project management, instructing, motivational and organizational skills with a proven track record of accomplishments
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills including effective internal and external communication and conflict resolution skills
• Models effective training, education, and presentation/demonstration of products
• Consistent integrity in customer, cross-team/functional interactions with high concern for customer needs and expectations
• Works well in diverse and team environments
• Knowledge and experience with Technical and Application support
• Works with positive demeanor, able to communicate the departmental and organizational vision and goals, guiding team members in achieving these goals
• Constantly and persistently strives for driving excellence in technical and customer-facing skills with team members

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Familiarity with regulatory agencies (i.e. CAP, CLSI, Cumitech, CLIA) and quality procedures are highly desirable
• Solid understanding of various computer software applications (i.e. MS office, Access) and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) are preferred
• At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in‑office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Remote or field-based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting. For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID‑19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

Why Join Us?

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive. We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face‑to‑face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.

Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Required Skills Optional Skills . Primary Work Location USA IL - Vernon Hills Additional Locations USA IL - Carol Stream, USA IL - Oak Forest, USA IL - Waukegan McGaw Pk KB, USA IL - Waukegan McGaw Pk KBD, USA IL - Waukegan McGaw Pk MB, USA IL - Waukegan MWDC, USA IN - Plainfield, USA KS - Leawood Tomahawk Crk, USA MI - Highland, USA MI - Sterling Heights Phoenix, USA MN - Minneapolis Medina Rd, USA MO - St Louis, USA NE - Broken Bow, USA NE - Columbus (East), USA NE - Columbus (Molding Center), USA NE - Columbus (West), USA NE - Holdrege, USA OH - Cleveland, USA OH - Dublin FSS E Svc Ctr, USA OH - Dublin - Metro Plc S, USA OH - Lakewood Detroit Ave, USA OH – Mason Work Shift NA (United States of America) At BD, we reward, support and develop our associates through our comprehensive Total Rewards program. We are committed to attracting and retaining high quality talent by providing reward and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture, as well as a competitive package of compensation and benefits programs. You can learn more on our career site under "Our Commitment to You." Our salary or hourly rate ranges reward associates fairly and competitively. We regularly review these ranges and factors, such as location, contribute to the range displayed. Our pay is based on the role and the necessary skills and education to perform it successfully. The salary or hourly rate offered is determined by the role's specific requirements, including any applicable step rate pay system at the work location. Salary Range Information $66,700.00 - $106,700.00 USD Annual We are the #MakersofPossible Working together, we make products that patients, families and their healthcare professionals rely on. We do this because we are committed to advancing the world of health™. But it takes the imagination and passion of all of us at BD, from manufacturing to marketing, to look at the impossible and find solutions that turn dreams into possibilities with real-life health benefits for people today, tomorrow and beyond. We make this happen, together. We are the makers of possible.

Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally-protected characteristics.