Automation Engineer - Planet Pharma : Job Details

Job Description Description The Cell Therapy Department is looking for a self-motivated, intellectually curious Laboratory Automation Engineer to join its expanding team. The ideal candidate will be a skilled, hands-on automation engineer, who thrives in a rigorous and collaborative scientific environment. This individual will be crucial in establishing and optimizing automated workflows within the Cell Therapy laboratory, working closely with the Principal Automation Engineer to develop and transfer manual processes to automated platforms, and making significant contributions to achieving the department's objectives. Responsibilities Develop, implement, and optimize automated workflows, primarily focusing on liquid handlers, cell imaging, and cell culture automation. Work closely with the Principal Automation Engineer to transfer manual laboratory processes to automated systems. Design and execute validation experiments for newly developed and optimized automated protocols. Program and troubleshoot automated systems implemented for cell culture, clonal expansion and analytical workflows. Lead training sessions for scientists and lab staff on newly implemented automated equipment and protocols. Perform analytical workflows encompassing but not limited to gene-based assays and cell-based assays on automated platforms. Data acquisition, analysis, interpretation, and communication of findings in internal scientific meetings. Coordinate equipment on-boarding, maintenance, and calibration for automated systems. Maintain compliance with lab safety, training, and documentation standards for automated operations. Requirements BS/MS in Engineering (e.g., Biomedical, Mechanical, Chemical), Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related discipline. Junior to mid-level experience in a laboratory automation role, preferably with a background in high-throughput production environments. Demonstrated experience operating and troubleshooting laboratory automation, specifically liquid handling and/or cell culture automation. Experience with scripting or programming for laboratory automation platforms is preferred. Strong background in sterile aseptic mammalian cell culture techniques and experience working with human iPSCs. Technical expertise in at least two of the following areas: cell-based functional assays, image acquisition/analysis, molecular assays (NGS, RT-PCR, dd-PCR), flow cytometry. Proven ability to multitask, collaborate, and communicate effectively, including leading training sessions. Other Preferred Qualifications Experience with single cell cloning and stem cell differentiation. Familiarity with various automation platforms, liquid handling systems, and high-throughput screening methodologies. Experience with delivery of genome engineering systems to iPSCs. Prior industry work experience in a regulated environment. Experience using software for flow cytometry analysis, electronic lab notebook, and data visualization (e.g., FlowJo, Benchling, Spotfire, GraphPad Prism, Geneious, Snapgene). Pay Rate Range: $45-57/hr depending on experience Equal Opportunity Employer: We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements. Fraud Alert: Candidate safety is a top priority at Planet Pharma. The industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly, never provide banking information during the application process and always double check the email address of the Recruiter to ensure it's from an official Planet Pharma domain (@planet-pharma.com, @planet-pharma.co.uk, and @ppgadvisorypartners.com) and not a domain with an alternative extension like .net, .org or .jobs.