Lab Automation Engineer

Zifo; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accrued vacation

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k with company matching

Life insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Zifo is seeking a Lab Automation Engineer to deliver technical automation services at our Cambridge, MA site. You will install, operate, troubleshoot, and train users on multivendor lab instruments, and configure automation software to optimize robotic systems.

The role requires experience with liquid handlers, plate readers, and associated hardware, plus scripting in Python/Java/C#/VB.NET. Strong communication and teamwork across multiple projects are essential.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices as defined by the company and/or customer’s site safety code.
• Experience in operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and scripting for liquid handlers, dispensers, plate washers, plate readers, Octet, etc.
• Programming experience using Python, Java, C# or VB.NET
• Experience with scheduling, operation, training and troubleshooting of fully integrated robotic systems
• Expertise with Cellario or Biosero’s Green Button Go scheduling software is a plus
• Experience with Titian Mosaic is a plus
• Exemplary interpersonal skills with automation teams and scientists
• Excellent organizational and record-keeping/data analysis skills
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to interpret client requests
• Ability to troubleshoot complex instrument and technology issues
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to identify, track and complete tasks for multiple projects

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support of customer laboratory environments
• Maintain and troubleshoot automation equipment (liquid handlers, plate readers, washers, dispensers, robotic systems)
• Install, operate, troubleshoot, create methods/scripts, and train users on instruments
• Configure in-lab settings for automation software (Cellario, Green Button Go)
• Perform unit test scripts for in-Lab automation to validate remote software
• Build and operate debugging scripts in production environments
• Modify existing systems to meet evolving needs
• Collaborate with discovery/engineering/expression groups to optimize research workflows
• Ensure adherence to client policies via reporting and compliance programs
• Document procedures, troubleshooting, and best practices
• Perform preventative maintenance as scheduled

Skills

Lab safety

Liquid handler scripting

Programming (Python/Java/C#/VB.NET)

Robotics scheduling

Cellario/Biosero scheduling software

Titian Mosaic

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Troubleshooting complex instruments

Communication skills

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor of Science in computer science, life science or equivalent industry experience

Tools

Cellario

Green Button Go

Titian Mosaic

Job description

Location: Cambridge, MA

*This role will require full-time presence at our client site in Cambridge, MA*

**This role is not eligible for relocation assistance**

The Zifo Lab Automation Engineer provides technical laboratory automation services, including multivendor instrument, information technology and validation/compliance services when applicable. The individualwill provide the consulting skills required to analyze customer needs and gaps to propose solutions for the desired state. He or she will work with business users and managers of customers in conjunction with the internal Zifo support team.

• Provides technical support of customer laboratory environments
• Ensure that common automation equipment is properly maintained and in good working order. This includes stand-alone liquid handlers (Hamilton, Echo, Tecan, etc), plate readers (SpectraMax, Envision, Neo2, etc) plate washers/dispensers, as well as several fully integrated robotic systems.
• Install, operate, maintain, QC, troubleshoot problems, create methods/scripts, and train users on instruments is required.
• Configured in-lab settings for automation software (eg: Cellario, Green Button Go) as required to train robotic equipment.
• Perform unit test scripts for in-Lab automation equipment to validate the remote programmed software.
• Able to build and operate debugging scripts and perform simple parallel development in the production environment.
• Modify existing systems, instruments, methods and software to meet evolving needs.
• Work collaboratively with discovery, engineering and expression groups at the local sites to optimize research efficiencies through implementation of automation process improvements and novel technologies
• Ensures adherence to client’s corporate policies through periodic reporting and compliance programs
• Document procedures, policies, troubleshooting and best practices
• Perform system preventative maintenances based on client’s schedule, if applicable

Required Skills:

• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices as defined by the company and/or customer’s site safety code
• Experience in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and scripting for liquid handlers, dispensers, plate washers, plate readers, Octet, etc. required.
• Programming experience using Python, Java, C# or VB.NET
• Experience with scheduling, operation, training and troubleshooting of fully integrated robotic systems
• Expertise with Hi-Res BioSolutions’ Cellario or Biosero’s Green Button Go scheduling software is a plus.
• Experience with Titian Mosaic is a plus
• Exemplary interpersonal skills including the ability to work with other automation engineers and non-automation scientists.
• Excellent organizational skills, as exemplified by an aptitude for clear record-keeping and data analysis, and the ability to prioritize work across multiple projects.
• Excellent customer service skills complemented by an ability to listen to and interpret client requests
• Ability to troubleshoot complex instrument and technology issues
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to identify, track and complete tasks for multiple projects

About you:

• Independent, self-motivated & results driven individual
• Willingness & ability to acquire quickly new technical skills & business principles
• Ability for Critical Thinking and Logical Reasoning
• Good understanding of pharmaceutical research and drug Discovery & development processes and biologics workflows(preferred, not required)

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in computer science, life science or equivalent industry experience
• 5+ years of relevant technical experience including (but not limited to); biotech/pharmaceutical company or an automation provider.
• Experience with scientific instrumentation (preferred)

About Zifo:

CURIOSITY DRIVEN, SCIENCE FOCUSED, EMPLOYEE BUILT. Our culture is unlike any other, one where we debate, challenge ourselves, and interact with all alike. We are a curious bunch, characterized by our passion to learn and spirit of teamwork. Zifo is a global R&D solutions provider focused on the industries of Pharma, Biotech, Manufacturing QC, Medical Devices, specialty chemicals and other research-based organizations. Our team’s knowledge of science and expertise in technology help Zifo better serve our customers around the globe, including 7 of the Top 10 Biopharma companies.

We look for Science – Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Microbiology etc. We possess scientific and technical knowledge and bear professional and personal goals. While we have a “no doors” policy to promote free access within, we do have a tough door to walk in. We search with a two-point agenda – technical competency and cultural adaptability.

We offer a competitive compensation package including

• accrued vacation
• medical
• dental
• vision
• 401k with company matching
• life insurance
• flexible spending accounts

If you share these sentiments and are prepared for the atypical, then Zifo is your calling!

Zifo is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.