Associate Research Scientist (Laboratory Automation Engineer)

Job Title: Associate Research Scientist (Laboratory Automation Engineer-iPSC Technologies)

Duration: 12 Month Contract (Possible extension based on work performance)

Location: Cambridge, MA 02141

Onsite Position

Work Schedule: Mon - Fri regular business hours.

Job Description:

Must Have List

• BS in an engineering discipline (biomedical, robotics, computer science or related field) with 1-3 years’ experience programming and maintaining lab automation.

• 2+ years of programming experience in Python or C#.

• 2+ years of experience automating bioassay workflows screenings or cell culture.

• 2+ years of experience with Cell Culture experience.

Client seeks a highly motivated associate lab automation engineer to join the Discovery Biology team in the Neuroscience Thematic Research Center (NTRC). The newly developed NTRC is dedicated to the discovery of new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as well as rare diseases that affect both adults and children. We are looking for a candidate who is interested in learning advanced cell culture approaches including iPSC technology and automating these approaches to accelerate the discovery of new medicines for neurodegeneration.

Responsibilities:

• Work with scientists to develop, optimize and implement automated workflows for iPSC maintenance, differentiation and maintenance of differentiated neurons

• Work with scientists to develop, optimize and implement automated workflows for disease modelling, target identification and therapeutic profiling

• Perform lab automation operations including protocol design, run set up and break-down, error recovery, point-teaching etc.

• Assist scientists with operation of automation platform, providing training and error-recovery support as needed.

• Manage equipment scheduling, routine and preventative maintenance and lab consumables inventory.

• Perform and record quality control tests of platform instruments such as liquid handlers, imagers, and plate readers.

• Assist in maintaining data management platform.

Minimum Requirements

• BS in an engineering discipline (biomedical, robotics, computer science or related field) with 1-3 years' experience programming and maintaining lab automation.

or Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Physics with 2+ years of relevant automation experience

• Experience with liquid handling platforms such as Hamilton Microlab Vantage/STAR, Beckman Biomek i5/i7, Tecan Fluent etc.

• Experience working with service engineers to troubleshoot and maximize system uptime.

• Knowledgeable in instrument qualification processes.

• Fast learner, adaptable and able to work effectively in a cross functional team environment.

Preferred Additional Qualifications and Experience

• Experience with cell culture and routine molecular biology techniques

• Hands-on experience applying lab automation to support screening or stem cell related workflows

• Experience with lab automation scheduling software and robotic systems such as HighRes Cellario, Hamilton’s Venus

Working in a laboratory setting. No hazardous materials, blood or animals.