Laboratory Automation Engineer

Natera; Jackson (TN); On-site; USD 107,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Natera is seeking an Automation Engineer to support and advance automation systems for sample processing in R&D and clinical diagnostics laboratories. The role involves collaborating with scientists and engineers to design, implement and optimize workflows that boost efficiency and performance across lab operations.

Key duties include programming liquid handlers, developing automation software, documenting validation procedures, and leading IQ/OQ/PQ testing, training end-users, and providing

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering or closely related scientific field.
• 2+ years of laboratory automation engineering experience.
• Experience in automation and systems development for the life science industry.
• Experience with robotics and liquid handling systems (Beckman, Hamilton, Tecan).
• Experience in computer programming.

Responsibilities

• Support and program liquid handling robots.
• Build rapport with end-users and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Develop and integrate automation systems and related software tools, preparing documentation for equipment validation and SOPs.
• Prepare User Requirements and Testing Procedures, SOPs and related documentations.
• Oversee the IQ/OQ/PQ validation testing.
• User training, troubleshooting, optimizing workflows and providing ongoing end-user support.

Skills

Project management

Lab automation

Robotics systems

Programming

Education

BS in engineering or related field

Tools

Beckman

Hamilton

Tecan

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Automation Engineer contributes to the support, development and implementation of automation systems and workflows to support the processing of samples in R&D and clinical diagnostics laboratory environments. This individual collaborates with a team of scientists and engineers on projects to conceptualize, design, develop, implement and support solutions designed to optimize the performance and increase the efficiencies of the laboratory processes.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support and program liquid handling robots
• Build rapport with end-users, and coordinate with cross-functional teams
• Develop and integrate the automation systems and related software tools, preparing the documentation for equipment validation and operating procedures to ensure successful implementation in the labs
• Prepare User Requirement and Testing Procedure, Standard Operating Procedures, and related documentations
• Oversee the functional and validation testing, IQ/OQ/PQ
• Additional responsibilities include user training, troubleshooting, optimizing the workflows, and on-going support for the end-users

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS degree in engineering or closely related scientific field
• 2+ years of laboratory automation engineering experience required
• Technical proficiency and experience in automation and systems development and integration for the life science industry
• Experience with robotics and liquid handling systems- Beckman, Hamilton, Tecan, etc.
• Experience in computer programing is required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong project management skills, organizational skills, and written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Flexibility and self-initiative required to support several simultaneous automation projects.
• Biotech, pharmaceutical, Lab automation providers, or clinical-laboratory experience is highly desirable

The pay range is listed and actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.
Austin, TX
$106,700—$133,400 USD

OUR OPPORTUNITY

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents.

Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/

Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.

For more information:
- BBB announcement on job scams
- FBI Cyber Crime resource page