Scientist III - Laboratory Automation

WorkLLama; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

WorkLLama is seeking a Scientist III to lead automation deployment in a fast-paced scientific environment. You will help laboratory teams adopt, optimize, and troubleshoot automated liquid handling platforms while partnering with scientists, automation engineers, and cross-site stakeholders.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, method optimization, and rapid troubleshooting of workflows. You will document SOPs, support go-live activities, and contribute to scalable automation solutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related discipline.
• Experience developing, optimizing, validating, or troubleshooting automated laboratory methods and workflows.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to quickly learn new workflows and operate with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Support scientists in the implementation and day-to-day use of automated laboratory platforms.
• Develop, optimize, validate, and troubleshoot liquid handling methods and workflows.
• Provide technical support and resolve automation-related issues on laboratory platforms.
• Partner with automation engineers and scientific teams to ensure successful deployment and adoption of new automation technologies.
• Assist with method transfers, workflow optimization, system qualification, and platform go-live activities.
• Collaborate with teams across multiple sites to ensure consistency and harmonization of automated workflows.
• Participate in project meetings and provide technical recommendations regarding automation solutions.
• Create and maintain documentation including SOPs, work instructions, and technical reports.

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related discipline

Tools

Hamilton liquid handling platforms

Echo acoustic dispensing systems

Tecan

Beckman

Lynx

Job description

Scientist III - Laboratory Automation to support a critical automation deployment initiative within a fast-paced scientific environment. This individual will play a key role in helping laboratory teams adopt, optimize, and troubleshoot automated liquid handling platforms while collaborating closely with scientists, automation engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders across multiple locations.

This role is ideal for someone with hands-on experience in laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, method development, and troubleshooting who can quickly become productive with minimal training.

Key Responsibilities

• Support scientists in the implementation and day-to-day use of automated laboratory platforms.
• Develop, optimize, validate, and troubleshoot liquid handling methods and workflows.
• Provide technical support and resolve automation-related issues on laboratory platforms.
• Partner with automation engineers and scientific teams to ensure successful deployment and adoption of new automation technologies.
• Assist with method transfers, workflow optimization, system qualification, and platform go-live activities.
• Collaborate with teams across multiple sites to ensure consistency and harmonization of automated workflows.
• Participate in project meetings and provide technical recommendations regarding automation solutions.
• Create and maintain documentation including SOPs, work instructions, and technical reports.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related discipline.
• Experience developing, optimizing, validating, or troubleshooting automated laboratory methods and workflows.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to quickly learn new workflows and operate with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Hamilton liquid handling platforms.
• Experience supporting automation deployments or implementation projects.
• Experience with ligand binding assays (LBA), bioanalytical assays, or plasma-based workflows.
• Experience with Echo acoustic dispensing systems or other automated dispensing technologies.
• Familiarity with regulated laboratory environments (GMP, GLP, CLIA, CAP, etc.).
• Experience with assay development, method validation, or high-throughput laboratory operations.
• Experience with multiple liquid handling platforms such as Tecan, Agilent Bravo, Beckman, Lynx, or similar systems.