Career Center

Senior or Principal Automation Engineer - 97382

Division: JG-Joint Genome Institute

Berkeley Lab’s Joint Genome Institute (JGI) is looking for a Senior or Principal Automation Engineer to join their Lab Automation Team!

The JGI provides integrated high-throughput sequencing, DNA design and synthesis, metabolomics and computational analysis that enable systems-based scientific approaches to these challenges. In the pursuit of these goals JGI employs Laboratory Automation Engineers to apply engineering, scientific and other technical concepts to develop automated methods for sophisticated biotech-laboratory instrumentation. 

In this exciting role, you will operate, program, and troubleshoot automation systems and instruments. You will develop training and implementation plans to complete user testing and transition new automation capabilities to the research and production labs while collaborating with Scientists and Engineers throughout the organization on a variety of projects.

What You Will Do:

• Work with the technical lead or serve as the technical lead of the Automation Group to analyze and resolve complex issues related to the Institute’s sophisticated biotech-laboratory equipment using standard procedures as well as new and inventive approaches.
• Develop training and implementation plans to complete user testing and transition new automation capabilities to the research and production labs.
• Collaborate with research personnel to evaluate manual sequencing technology work processes and develop and implement automated processes and solutions where applicable.
• Perform assignments related to operating, programming as well as troubleshooting automation systems and instruments.
• Partner with Engineers and vendors to execute the assembly, qualification, validation, and deployment of new and incoming automation instruments.
• Write standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and knowledge base articles.
• Collaborate with vendors for the support, troubleshooting, and repair of laboratory instruments including Liquid Handlers, Robotic Systems, Analysis Instruments, and other similarly complex scientific and biotech lab equipment.
• Collaborate with research personnel to design, develop and implement automation solutions for bio-chemical work processes.
• Perform method development on Hamilton Robotics platforms using Venus software and HSL scripting language.
• Utilize commercially available software, including C/C++, C#, Java, Visual Basic, VB.Net, VBA, and Excel as well as custom software applications to program robotic platforms and general laboratory equipment.
• Use Visual Basic for Applications to manipulate incoming data from LIMS to a robot-readable format.

What is Required:

• A Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or a related discipline and a minimum of 4 years of hands-on experience teaching, scripting, and troubleshooting laboratory automation instruments or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience setting up communications with robotic platforms and proficiency in one or more commercially available software packages such as C/C++, C#, JAVA, Visual Basic for Applications for data manipulation & instrument integration.
• Experience with Hamilton Robotics liquid handlers and programming with Hamilton Venus software.
• Expertise in operating, maintaining, and programming laboratory technology including automated high throughput automation, and biotech instrumentation.
• Demonstrated analytical skills including experience problem solving, troubleshooting, and recommending solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including experience organizing information and presenting to technical and non technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the experience collaborating with a diverse team of technical and non technical staff members both internal and external to the organization.

What We Prefer:

• Advanced Degree (or equivalent knowledge/training) in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or a related discipline and a minimum of 6 years of experience teaching, scripting, and troubleshooting laboratory automation instruments and software development or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in a molecular biology setting working with automation and scientific instruments and platforms, including knowledge of liquid handling robotic platforms for biotechnology and advanced bio-molecular processes and sequencing technologies.
• Experience with one or more of the following liquid handlers: Hamilton NIMBUS/STAR/VANTAGE, Beckman Coulter Biomek, or PE Sciclone.
• Experience in reading CAD designs and design control processes.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning and execution.
• Expertise in developing resolution to complex technical problems were analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.
• Experience supervising the activities of exempt and nonexempt personnel.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply with a resume by March 15, 2023.
• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), career appointment. 
• This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• The Senior Automation Engineer position has a targeted salary range of $94,236 - $117,804 per year, which fits within the budgeted salary range of $94,236 to $129,588 per year for job code N50.2. The Principal Automation Engineer position has a targeted salary range of $114,216 - $142,740 per year, which fits within the budgeted salary range of $114,216 to $157,032 per year for job code N50.3. Salaries for each of these positions will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position will be performed on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

How To Apply

Apply directly online and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The JGI’s mission is to provide the global research community with access to the most advanced integrative genome science capabilities in support of the DOE”s research mission to solve the world’s evolving energy and environmental challenges. The JGI supports projects in genome sequencing, synthesis, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and natural products in plants, fungi, algae, and microorganisms.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab - Click Here.

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

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Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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