Join our Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK) group in South San Francisco as an Automation Scientist for a 6-month contract focused on laboratory automation and modernization. In this role, you will drive the design, implementation, and optimization of state-of-the-art automated workflows and robotic systems supporting pre-clinical studies. Working collaboratively with scientific, engineering, and software teams, you will operate liquid handlers and integrated equipment to support key assays-including immunoassays, peptide stability, protein binding, automated sample prep, and cell culture maintenance. The ideal candidate has a strong technical propensity, deep expertise in liquid handling platforms, and the ability to hit the ground running to streamline automation and data integrity.

Responsibilities

Support the design, planning, and execution of robust automation strategies and workflows to support DMPK pre-clinical assays in South San Francisco.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated laboratory equipment and robotic platforms, including Hamilton, Echo (Labcyte), and GBG platforms.
Work jointly with department members, IT, and cross-functional teams to implement automation workflows and novel data handling/analysis strategies.
Contribute to automated workflow development for assays such as immunoassays (IA), peptide stability, protein binding, tissue/plasma drug concentration sample preparation, and cell culture maintenance.
Map and integrate workflows for optimal equipment usage, spatial efficiency, and seamless automated data integrity.
Develop, update, and author standard operating procedures (SOPs) for automation workflows and laboratory equipment.
Train and support scientists in operating automation platforms, troubleshooting system errors, and adopting automated workflows.
Identify, evaluate, and recommend cutting-edge automation technologies and assay strategies, including the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Education

Minimum Requirement: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automated Sciences, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, or an equivalent discipline with scientific expertise utilizing laboratory equipment in bioanalytical assay development and execution.
Experience

Required Skills & Experience:

Hands-on experience with Hamilton, Echo (Labcyte), and GBG platforms (method development, troubleshooting, and daily operations).
Experience programming and operating automated lab equipment (liquid handlers, dispensers, washers, centrifuges, and related instrumentation).
Strong problem-solving abilities to independently identify and resolve complex technical issues.
Demonstrated ability to generate, analyze, and interpret scientific data from automated platforms.
Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional scientific, engineering, and software teams.
Self-sufficient mindset with the capability to hit the ground running quickly.
Preferred Experience & Skills:

Experience integrating robotic system schedulers (e.g., HighRes Biosolutions, Biosero, Thermo Momentum).
Prior laboratory experience within a pharmaceutical or biotech company environment.
Experience implementing novel automation workflows and authoring operational SOPs.
Familiarity with Microsoft programming languages (e.g., VB, C#, LabVIEW, or equivalent).
Electro-mechanical design or assembly skills.
Hands-on experience using Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN).
Additional Information

Position Type: 6-Month Contract
Work Location: South San Francisco, CA (On-site Laboratory Setting)
Department: Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK)