Lab Automation Software Engineer

Plasmidsaurus; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Plasmidsaurus is seeking a lab automation software engineer to help run and optimize our growing fleet of lab robotics. You will write production-grade Python to integrate hardware with LIMS and data pipelines, collaborating with scientists to design high-throughput workflows.

Join a team delivering overnight sequencing and automation that accelerates biotech discovery, with a culture focused on ownership, curiosity, and impactful contributions to medicine and sustainability.

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) 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Python

Flask/Django

OpenCV

Linux

Docker

Ansible

AWS

Fusion 360

C#

Education

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

Tools

OpenTrons

Hamilton

Docker

Ansible

Terraform

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.

Our Automation Team

DNA sequencing is fundamental to a biologist's daily workflow. Just like software engineers program computers in code, biologists program life in DNA - they do this every day. However, every time a biologist updates their DNA (via a chemical process), they have to sequence the DNA to make sure the update works. That's where we come in!

We sequence DNA overnight (and same-day). We began by revolutionizing plasmid sequencing, making it exponentially cheaper and faster using innovating sequencing technologies, automation, and a global network of laboratories to turn samples into answers in hours instead of weeks.

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 encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description as we seek out diverse and creative perspectives. Team members who love to learn and collaborate in an inclusive environment will thrive with us. 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].