R&D Technician

Spectraforce Technologies; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in North Chicago is seeking an R&D Technician to enhance automation in compound management. The role involves developing protocols, maintaining equipment, and supporting research scientists in drug discovery. Candidates should have a scientific degree and experience with robotic liquid handlers.

Qualifications

• Experience with robotic liquid handlers.
• Ability to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Develop automation protocols to improve research velocity.
• Maintain instrumentation and minimize equipment downtime.
• Draft and review laboratory Standard Operating Procedures.

Skills

Automation

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline

Tools

Hamilton

TECAN

Agilent Technologies

Beckman Coulter

Job description

Job Title: R&D Technician

Location: North Chicago, IL 60064

Duration: 6+ Months (with potential to extend)



Job Description

The compound management department operates with a high level of automation, utilizing robotic instruments to manage the tasks of adding or removing samples from storage banks. Electronic barcodes facilitate record-keeping and sample preparation tailored to research scientists' experimental needs. Automation not only accelerates sample delivery but also promises enhanced consistency of samples regarding concentration accuracy and the uniformity of physical properties across experimental runs. These improvements are crucial in advancing early drug discovery.



Responsibilities

• Work cross-functionally to develop a deep understanding of the scientific processes and identify key bottlenecks that could be improved with automation to increase research velocity.


• Develop appropriate automation protocols to meet the needs of research scientists.


• Maintain instrumentation through routine maintenance and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to minimize equipment downtime.


• Write and update protocols for new automation workflows using robotic-specific software for laboratory instruments, e.g., Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Agilent Technologies, and SPT.


• Draft, edit, and review laboratory Standard Operating Procedures for the automated platforms and the protocols necessary to support sample delivery.


• Promptly enter all data to support the needs of the research scientist.


• Interpret results, identify anomalies or unexpected outcomes, and provide appropriate remedies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline (e.g., biology, chemistry, or similar).


• Experience with robotic liquid handlers from Hamilton, TECAN, Agilent Technologies, or Beckman Coulter.


• Experience in compound management preferred.


• Ability to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours.


• Ability to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.


• Ability to work in non-traditional work environments.


• Ability to use and learn standard office equipment and technology proficiently.

May have exposure to potentially hazardous elements typically found in laboratory environments (PPE required).