Lab Automation Engineer

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); United States; On-site; USD 77,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc is seeking a Lab Automation Engineer to design, implement, and validate automation solutions across platforms like Hamilton/Biomek. The role is onsite at the Leiden Center research site in Boston and involves cross-functional collaboration to advance automation capabilities in R&D.

The candidate will translate research processes into automation designs, troubleshoot, support commissioning and validation, and drive continuous improvement across disease areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, computer sciences or related field.
• 1+ year life sciences or engineering experience.
• Familiarity with automation platforms and scripting basics.

Responsibilities

• Translates manual research and development processes into automation designs.
• Troubleshoots system problems and documents solutions.
• Supports operations, commissioning, and validation in cross-functional teams.
• Identifies continuous improvement opportunities and drives implementation.
• Participates in automation design for both continuous and batch processes.
• Provides technical guidance on automation operation and new capabilities.
• Complies with safety and GMP procedures.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in chemical engineering, computer sciences or related field

Job description

Lab Automation Engineer

The Lab Automation Engineer will be a part of a team dedicated to designing, implementing, and validating automation solutions, across various automation platforms (Hamilton/Biomek/etc.), with a moderate degree of supervision. This role will support multiple disease areas and advance automation capabilities within Vertex Cell & Genetic Therapies. This role will develop an understanding of the research and development processes in order to establish new capabilities and improve efficiencies through automation enhancements. This is an onsite position at our Leiden Center research site in Boston.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Translates manual research and development processes into the design of automation systems.
• Troubleshoots standard system problems by analyzing information to make judgments; documents identified solutions.
• Supports daily operations, commissioning, and validation activities while working in cross-functional teams.
• Works to identify continuous improvement opportunities and participates in driving them from conception through implementation.
• Participates in automation design for both continuous and batch processes.
• Provide technical guidance in the operation of the automation system and participates in the advancement of current automation capabilities and the design and implementation of new automation capabilities.
• Complies with all relevant safety and GMP procedures.

Knowledge and Skills

• Utilizing Hamilton and Biomek automation programming, method development, and general maintenance
• Scheduling software for integrated automation work cells
• Method development, optimization, and deployment of both highthroughput cell-based and biochemical assays
• Working with automated data capture software
• Some experience with common scripting languages (i.e., Python, R, C, C++) and basic familiarity with SQL databases.
• Familiarity with version control tools such as Git, and experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment practices preferred
• Assisting large matrix technical teams to reach successful outcomes under accelerated timelines across broad disease areas and therapeutic modalities
• Experience of being part of large matrix technical teams to reach successful outcomes under accelerated timelines.
• Written and verbal communication skills to exchange straight forward information and confirm understanding

Education and Experience

Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree in chemical engineering, computer sciences or related field and 1 years experience in life sciences, engineering or academia

Pay Range

$85,600 - $128,400

Disclosure Statement

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law. At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation

Flex Designation: On‑Site Designated Flex Eligibility Status: In this On‑Site designated role, you will work five days per week on‑site with ad‑hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law.

Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.

Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]

Help Us Achieve Our Mission

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X

Culture and Values

We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.