Job Abstract

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assay Automation Engineer III is responsible for leading the design, development, integration and testing of automated assay protocols using custom and standard microplate handling, processing, and pipetting equipment; as well as formal verification and validation testing. The incumbent is responsible for developing complex automation scripts, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, providing recommendations on relevant data and presenting findings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead cross-functional teams to support the design and development of automated assay methods for MSD and other instrumentation

• Experimentally and analytically characterize hardware system and subsystem performance and capabilities

• Design, implement, and optimize software sequences for automation of assay protocols on MSD and other instrumentation

• Lead the development and documentation of failure modes, effects and critical analyses

• Provide recommendations and participate in the development of system design requirements and specifications, including interfacing with other teams to gather and refine requirements

• Lead in the development and execution of system design verification and validation test plans

• Develop, assist and lead other team members with the implementation of hardware system and subsystem reliability test plans

• Design, generate, and implement change orders to promote product design and process improvements

• Specific duties may vary depending on departmental requirements

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Engineering or related field

• A minimum of 10 years of experience with scientific or medical instrumentation

• Experience with immunoassays required

• Experience with MSD assays is highly preferred

• Experience interfacing directly with customers building laboratory automated platforms highly preferred

• Experience in an ISO cGMP environment preferred

• Experience with the service of laboratory automation equipment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Expert knowledge of data analysis tools such as Excel, VBA, Python, Matlab, Minitab, or similar is required

• Proficiency in MS Office suite and engineering computing software is required

• Working knowledge of analytical techniques, experimental design, and statistical analysis

• Proficiency working with laboratory automation such as liquid handlers, plate robotics, and other automation equipment

• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as the ability to handle complex situations and demonstrate sound judgment and problem-solving

• Demonstrated ability to organize and move project tasks forward in an orderly and structured fashion

• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple and often changing priorities and issues of varying complexity, while meeting time-sensitive deadlines and deliverables.

• Superior communication (written and verbal) skills with the ability to translate information into a meaningful, understandable context and message, regardless of the format (e.g., documents, public speaking situations, presentations, etc.)

• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned accountabilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office and lab.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position is performed in R&D, light-manufacturing, and engineering office environments