R&D Technician II

Mindlance; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a skilled automation specialist to enhance research velocity in drug discovery. This role involves developing automation protocols tailored to the needs of research scientists, maintaining laboratory instrumentation, and ensuring data accuracy. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in scientific disciplines, experience with robotic liquid handling systems, and a passion for improving laboratory efficiency. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to advancing early drug discovery through automation and cutting-edge technology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline required.
• Experience with robotic liquid handlers is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop automation protocols to enhance research velocity.
• Maintain instrumentation and minimize equipment downtime.

Skills

Robotic liquid handling

Automation protocols development

Data entry and interpretation

Routine maintenance of instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology

Bachelor's degree in chemistry

Tools

Hamilton liquid handlers

TECAN

Agilent Technologies

Beckman Coulter

Job description

Client has a highly automated compound management department utilizing robotic instruments to manage the tasks of adding or removing samples from storage banks, along with electronic barcodes to 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

1. 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.
2. Develop appropriate automation protocols to meet the needs of research scientists.
3. Maintain instrumentation through routine maintenance and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to minimize equipment downtime.
4. Write and update protocols for new automation workflows using robotic-specific software for laboratory instruments, e.g., Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Agilent Technologies, and SPT.
5. Draft, edit, and review laboratory Standard Operating Procedures for the automated platforms and the protocols necessary to support sample delivery.
6. Promptly enter all data to support the needs of the research scientist.
7. Interpret results, identify anomalies or unexpected outcomes, and provide appropriate remedies.

Qualifications

List required and preferred qualifications (up to 10). Include education, skills, and experience.

• 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).