Senior Laboratory Automation Specialist
Durham, NC
Lab Operations /
FT /
On-site
At BioAgilytix, we are passionate about premier science and the impact it has on our world. Our team of highly experienced scientists and professionals deliver tailored services for supporting new medicine breakthroughs with best-in-class bioanalytical services. We are tirelessly committed to our customers by being solution-oriented and deadline-driven. . . and we are growing. Our culture is fast-paced, fun and never boring. Because we work across numerous clients and drug modalities, your career can develop rapidly. You’ll gain experience with a variety of challenges all while you enable life-changing, life-saving therapeutics to the patients who need them.
The Senior Laboratory Automation Specialist will be primarily responsible for leading the programming and implementation of automation laboratory systems. This role requires a deep understanding of laboratory automation technologies and the ability to program and drive automated projects to meet new and existing business needs. This position serves as an Automation Expert, ensuring the efficient operation of automated laboratory equipment, conducting maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs as necessary, while documenting all activities thoroughly.
Essential Responsibilities
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and develop project plans to implement automated solutions to support (GxP) validation and implementation, including protocol/throughput analysis; instrumentation specification; drafting user requirements; validation plans, test scripts and validation summary reports.
- Lead programming of automation systems
- Serve as the primary point of contact and Automation Expert for all automated laboratory equipment.
- May interact with Business Development to create appropriate scope for automated projects.
- Collaborate with vendors and external partners to procure automation equipment and services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality.
- Responsible for assessing the needs of the Operations staff for improving laboratory processes including but not limited to: automated work flow and new detection platforms
- Responsible for supporting the development and testing of new devices, software, components, and procedures; this includes but is not limited to planning from initiation through delivery.
- Trains users on the use of automated systems.
- Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for select laboratory systems in a GxP environment.
- Authors Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Additional Responsibilities
- Serve as an Automation Expert for automated laboratory equipment; maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automation equipment and document accordingly.
- Use discretion when performing any maintenance activities; contact and/involve outside vendors when needed.
Minimum Preferred Qualifications: Education/Experience
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, biotechnology, or related field with not less than nine (9) years' experience in a scientific laboratory environment; or
- Master's degree in engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, biotechnology, or related field with not less than (7) years' experience in a scientific laboratory environment; or
- PhD in engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, biotechnology, or related field with not less than five (5) years’ experience in a scientific laboratory environment
Minimum Preferred Qualifications: Skills
- Proven experience working in laboratory automation, with a focus on programming and implementation of automation systems.
- Strong understanding of laboratory workflows, processes, and instrumentation; Experience with pharmacokinetic, anti-drug antibody and PCR assays is preferred.
- Experience with a variety of laboratory automation technologies, including liquid handlers, robotic arms, and automated assay platforms.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements for laboratory operations, including GLP and GMP.
- Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information effectively to diverse audiences.
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and coordinate resources effectively.
- Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.), and automated liquid dispensing software. Must understand software and file permission settings as it pertains to data integrity and computer system validation.
- Detail oriented and highly organized
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work within constantly changing priorities
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and functional groups
Supervisory Responsibility
- May supervise additional automation and data management support staff in the future
Supervision Received
- Infrequent supervision and instructions
- Frequently exercises discretionary authority
Working Environment
- Primarily office and receiving dock
- Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets
- Personal protective equipment required, such as protective eyewear, garments, and gloves
- Exposure to fluctuating temperatures on rare occasions
Physical Demands
- Ability to work in an upright and/or stationary position for up to eight (8) hours per day
- Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists to operate office and lab equipment
- Frequent mobility needed
- Occasional crouching, stooping, with frequent bending and twisting of upper body and neck
- Light to moderate lifting and carrying (or otherwise moving) objects, including office equipment, lab equipment, and laptop computer, with a maximum lift of 40 pounds
- Ability to access and use a variety of computer software
- Frequently interacts with others to obtain or relate information to diverse groups
- Performs a wide range of variable tasks as dictated by variable demands and changing conditions with little predictability as to the occurrence
- Ability to perform under stress and multi-task
- Regular and consistent attendance
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
- This is a full-time, on-site position
- Some flexibility in hours is allowed, but the employee must be available during the “core” work hours as published in the BioAgilytix Employee Handbook
- Occasional weekend, holiday, and evening work required
BENEFITS AND OTHER PERKS
Medical Insurance (HDHP with HSA; PPO), Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (medical; dependent care), Short Term Disability | Long Term Disability Life Insurance, Paid Time Off (4 weeks per year), Parental Leave, Paid Holidays (12 scheduled; 3 floating), 401k with Employer Match, Employee Referral Program
COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
BioAgilytix provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, or any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.
