Laboratory Automation Specialist

[EXPERIENCE: startExp=4, endExp=6]

About the Role

BEPC is seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Automation Specialist to join our client’s site in South San Francisco, CA. This role will support the Complex In Vitro Systems (CiS) Laboratory, where complex in vitro models (CIVMs) are designed, developed, and characterized. The individual will work within a cross-functional team dedicated to providing technical expertise in automating the scaling, processing, and assays of CIVMs. The goal is to establish, qualify, execute, and maintain innovative technologies and platforms while driving process and data integration and advancing the operational capabilities of automation and liquid handling systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Pioneer the automation of CIVM cultures, including organoids, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models, and associated assays.
• Collaborate with scientists to translate manual cell culture and assay experimental processes into automated workflows, including programming, testing, qualification, and execution.
• Design, develop, operate, and maintain automated protocols and systems for complex cell culture and assay process scale-up.
• Qualify and execute automated CIVM cultures and assays using integrated liquid handling systems.
• Perform regular maintenance tasks, dry tests, and quality control procedures to ensure the readiness, sterility, and reliability of automation platforms and equipment.
• Drive the integration of data management, analysis pipelines, and data automation by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with external vendors, data engineers, and software developers to implement automation best practices and proper process metadata tracking with LIMS integration.
• Train and support team members in formalizing Python development practices, including version control, collaborative workflows, and AI tool integration.
• Troubleshoot automation systems and workflows while prioritizing activities in a multi-user and multi-application environment.
• Coordinate with external vendors and service providers regarding hardware and software modifications, driver requests, and system maintenance.
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation for automation systems, procedures, troubleshooting guides, and relevant processes using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Document, report, and share automation capabilities with colleagues through presentations, open-door sessions, and laboratory tours.
• Work in a laboratory environment, which may require extended periods of sitting or standing, repetitive tasks such as cell culture, pipetting, and labeling tubes, and techniques requiring a high degree of manual dexterity and physical activity.
• Maintain flexibility regarding work schedules, including potential variations in working hours and occasional weekend or holiday work as needed.
• Work with potentially hazardous materials, including chemotherapeutics, biological hazards, and human primary cells.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Python and/or C# experience.
• Experience integrating instrument and process quality control (QC) data with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Experience operating, programming, and integrating automation instrumentation and peripherals, including liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Biomek, Opentron, BioTek washers), automated incubators, centrifuges, analyzers, and imagers.
• Experience automating cell culture processes in academia, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, or contract research organizations.
• Demonstrated track record of translating hands-on cell culture experiments into automation-ready protocols that can run repeatedly at scale.
• Experience troubleshooting automation systems and workflows and prioritizing tasks in a multi-user and multi-application environment.
• Experience coordinating with external vendors and service providers regarding hardware/software modifications, driver requests, and system maintenance.
• Ability to maintain comprehensive technical documentation for automation systems, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Strong communication skills and ability to interact efficiently with scientists from different backgrounds and with varying levels of automation experience.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to interact professionally and present data to all levels of staff and external partners.
• Passion for collaborating within cross-functional teams in a multicultural environment.

Qualifications

• PhD with 0–3 years of experience OR Master's degree with 4–6 years of experience in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomaterials, immunology, pharmacology, cellular or molecular biology, toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with automation and/or implementation of complex in vitro models (CIVMs).
• Experience with automation scheduling software, such as GreenButtonGo, Thermo Momentum, or HiRes Cellario (highly preferred).
• Hands-on experience with several cellular assays, including cell viability, flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, high-content screening, 3D imaging analysis, biomarker quantification, and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER).
• Hands-on experience with primary cell cultures in 3D, including organoids, layered cultures, or spheroid models.