Automation Lead, High Throughput Screening Team

Manus

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives – better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of synthetic biology today. We are seeking a self-motivated and highly organized individual for a position that will specialize in and lead all automation development and operations at our Pleasanton BioFacility.

Why work at Manus:

• Opportunity – For motivated, results-oriented team members, our growth creates opportunities for personal and professional advancement.

• Accountability – You are given the resources you need to succeed and the freedom to make it happen; in return, we hold each other accountable for our high expectations.

• Passion – We love what we do and enjoy working with others who feel the same way. We embrace the challenge and hard work that come with working on the cutting edge.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee a comprehensive suite of automation instruments and integrations to support High Throughput Screening (HTS). Provide hands on assistance to the HTS ops team as the need arises.

• Work across functions to identify opportunities to optimize or develop new automation protocols.

• Work with scientists and the data science team to ensure that automation processes are traceable and trackable and properly linked to our LIMS system.

• Manage standard operating procedures for automation workflows and train users.

• Minimize instrument downtime by combining appropriate service contracts, preventative maintenance and stocking spare parts/DIY repairs for known and addressable issues.

• Deliver quantifiable and significant year over year improvements in FTE efficiency by enabling your colleagues through automation.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering, preferably Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related discipline and 5-8 years of relevant experience working with laboratory automation. At least 4 years of experience specifically in an Automation Engineer role.

• Experience operating and programming automated liquid handling systems. (e.g., Tecan EVO or Fluent, Agilent Bravo)

• Experience troubleshooting and fixing laboratory automation and other instrumentation

• Ability to contribute to multiple concurrent projects and to adapt to changing priorities and requirements inherent in early-stage research

• Demonstrated experience applying technical, scientific, and engineering principles to evaluate manual laboratory work protocols/process and develop automated work processes

• Excellent interpersonal skills for working in a team environment

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with a programming or scripting language (C#.NET, C/C++, Python, JavaScript)

• Mechanical design experience using CAD software

• Previous startup experience

• Previous Synthetic Biology experience

• Experience with interfacing with laboratory facilities

Preferred Working Style:

• Must be extremely organized and be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

• Must be a quick learner who is self-motivated and able to ask questions and seek clarity.

• Must be flexible with day-to-day duties and able to thrive in a dynamic environment.

• Must be an excellent, collaborative team member with strong communication skills.

• Must hold him or herself to the highest professional, scientific and ethical standards