Lab Robotics Research Associate

Plasmidsaurus; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Impact on biotech

Cutting-edge projects

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Plasmidsaurus is seeking a Lab Robotics Research Associate to bridge biology with our automation fleet. You will help design and improve high-throughput protocols, develop agentic tools, and work with scientists to accelerate discovery.

You will contribute to cutting-edge plasmid sequencing and RNA-seq services, applying Python, CAD skills, and modern web frameworks to enhance workflow efficiencies in a fast-growing biotech company.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or related field.
• 1+ years lab experience with molecular biology protocols.
• 1+ years experience with liquid handling systems (OpenTrons, Hamilton, etc.).
• 1+ years programming in Python.
• Experience with Flask/Django web frameworks.
• Experience with 3D printing and basic CAD modeling.
• (Preferred) Linux servers experience.
• (Preferred) C#/.NET scripting for automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve lab automation protocols for high-throughput samples.
• Build and optimize tools that accelerate research using robotics fleet.
• Measure and improve performance of custom automation hardware.
• Prototype and optimize custom 3D printed tools.
• Collaborate with scientists to deliver robust high-throughput automation.

Skills

Python

Liquid handling

OpenTrons

Linux

3D printing

Fusion 360

CAD modeling

C#/.NET scripting

Education

BS or MS in Biology or Robotics

Tools

Flask/Django

Fusion 360

CAD modeling

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. We’re expanded our disruptive model across all of genomics, starting with the launch of our new 3-day RNA-seq service. We made these processes up to 30 times cheaper and 10 times faster. We aren’t finished yet.

Scientists love this.

Position Overview

Our automation team plays a pivotal role in delivering top quality data to our customers at unbeatable speeds. As a Lab Robotics Research Associate at Plasmidsaurus, you will play a crucial role connecting our science with our robotics fleet. You will:

• Develop and improve new lab automation protocols for 10,000s samples per day.

• Build and optimize agentic tools that accelerate scientific research using our lab robotics fleet.

• Measure and improve the performance of custom in-house automation hardware.

• Modify, prototype and optimize custom 3D printed tools.

• Work hand-in-hand with our world-class scientists to develop robust high throughput lab automation.

Culture

You will excel if you are someone who:

• Enjoys working with physical objects.

• Aspires to understand problems from first principles.

• 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 or MS in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, or relevant work experience.

• 1+ yrs lab experience and familiarity with molecular biology protocols.

• 1+ years of experience using using liquid handling systems (OpenTrons, Hamilton, etc.) and lab robotics.

• 1+ years of experience programming in Python.

• Experience using modern web frameworks like Flask/Django.

• Experience with 3D printing (e.g., Fusion 360) and basic CAD modeling.

• (Preferred) Experience working with Linux servers.

• (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.

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].