Lab Automation Engineer

Location: Cambridge, MA

*This role will require regular presence at our client sites in the Cambridge / Boston, MA area*

**This role is not eligible for relocation assistance**

The Zifo Lab Automation Engineer provides technical laboratory automation services, including multivendor instrument, information technology and validation/compliance services when applicable. The individual will provide the consulting skills required to analyze customer needs and gaps to propose solutions for the desired state. He or she will work with business users and managers of customers in conjunction with the internal Zifo support team.  

Requirements

• Provides technical support of customer laboratory environments
• Ensure that common automation equipment is properly maintained and in good working order. This includes stand-alone liquid handlers (Hamilton, Echo, Tecan, etc), plate readers (SpectraMax, Envision, Neo2, etc) plate washers/dispensers, as well as several fully integrated robotic systems.
• Install, operate, maintain, QC, troubleshoot problems, create methods/scripts, and train users on instruments is required.
• Configured in-lab settings for automation software (eg: Cellario, Green Button Go) as required to train robotic equipment.
• Perform unit test scripts for in-Lab automation equipment to validate the remote programmed software.
• Able to build and operate debugging scripts and perform simple parallel development in the production environment.
• Modify existing systems, instruments, methods and software to meet evolving needs.
• Work collaboratively with discovery, engineering and expression groups at the local sites to optimize research efficiencies through implementation of automation process improvements and novel technologies
• Ensures adherence to client’s corporate policies through periodic reporting and compliance programs
• Document procedures, policies, troubleshooting and best practices
• Perform system preventative maintenances based on client’s schedule, if applicable

Required Skills: 

• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices as defined by the company and/or customer’s site safety code
• Experience in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and scripting for liquid handlers, dispensers, plate washers, plate readers, Octet, etc. required.
• Programming experience using Python, Java, C# or VB.NET
• Experience with scheduling, operation, training and troubleshooting of fully integrated robotic systems
• Expertise with Hi-Res BioSolutions’ Cellario or Biosero’s Green Button Go scheduling software is a plus.
• Experience with Titian Mosaic is a plus
• Exemplary interpersonal skills including the ability to work with other automation engineers and non-automation scientists.
• Excellent organizational skills, as exemplified by an aptitude for clear record-keeping and data analysis, and the ability to prioritize work across multiple projects.
• Excellent customer service skills complemented by an ability to listen to and interpret client requests
• Ability to troubleshoot complex instrument and technology issues
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to identify, track and complete tasks for multiple projects

About you: 

• Independent, self-motivated & results driven individual
• Willingness & ability to acquire quickly new technical skills & business principles
• Ability for Critical Thinking and Logical Reasoning 
• Good understanding of pharmaceutical research and drug Discovery & development processes and biologics workflows (preferred, not required)

Required Education/Experience: 

• Bachelor of Science in computer science, life science or equivalent industry experience
• 5+ years of relevant technical experience including (but not limited to); biotech/pharmaceutical company or an automation provider.
• Experience with scientific instrumentation (preferred)

Benefits

About Zifo:

CURIOSITY DRIVEN, SCIENCE FOCUSED, EMPLOYEE BUILT. Our culture is unlike any other, one where we debate, challenge ourselves, and interact with all alike. We are a curious bunch, characterized by our passion to learn and spirit of teamwork. Zifo is a global R&D solutions provider focused on the industries of Pharma, Biotech, Manufacturing QC, Medical Devices, specialty chemicals and other research-based organizations. Our team’s knowledge of science and expertise in technology help Zifo better serve our customers around the globe, including 7 of the Top 10 Biopharma companies.

We look for Science – Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Microbiology etc. We possess scientific and technical knowledge and bear professional and personal goals. While we have a “no doors” policy to promote free access within, we do have a tough door to walk in. We search with a two-point agenda – technical competency and cultural adaptability.

We offer a competitive compensation package including accrued vacation, medical, dental, vision, 401k with company matching, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

If you share these sentiments and are prepared for the atypical, then Zifo is your calling!

Zifo is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.