Senior Automation Technician - Immunochemistry

Job Summary

Responsible for performing moderately complex laboratory work through the use of automated equipment and program/set up of Hamilton methods, in collaboration with departmental staff.  May also assist in maintaining and servicing laboratory instruments and validated systems, in conjunction with System Administrators/Owners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•    Develops and sets up complex automated systems that automate repetitive scientific tasks and help drive efficiencies and/or throughput.
•    Performs analysis of moderately complex laboratory assays, through the use of automated equipment, based on protocols and in compliance with SOPs and GLP regulations.
•    Records project data in accordance with SOPs and GLP regulations.
•    Identifies and leads installation, validation, and testing of newly acquired automated equipment.
•    Lead and independently execute routine SA studies with increased throughput with oversight from Research Scientist
•    Independently execute the completion of lab investigations, assay troubleshooting, and quality observations
•    Acts as instrument monitor for scheduled basic maintenance and troubleshooting. Coordinates with external vendor for complex repairs.
•    Ensures automation areas in the laboratory are kept clean and in compliance with SOP and GLP regulations.
•    Maintain, test, troubleshoot, calibrate, and repair laboratory instrumentation.
•    Work with management and scientific staff to establish and implement the appropriate solutions to potential or identified problems.
•    Ensure that the data capture system is performing satisfactorily and that system maintenance, repair, archival of data is performed in compliance with GLP regulations.
•    Ensure that all laboratory equipment is installed, validated or qualified, maintained, periodically tested, and repaired in accordance with GLP regulations.
•    Schedule and perform internal routine equipment maintenance.
•    Coordinate vendor preventative maintenances and service visits.
•    Develop and maintain SOPs in support of equipment and validated systems.
•    Stays current in advancements in the field of automation.
•    Responsible for training of staff on the operation and programming of automated equipment. 
•    Independently prepares, maintains, and updates applicable equipment and software SOPs. 
•    Coordinates with colleagues at other CR sites to align automation practices and assists with implementation of similar system setups and software, as needed. Responsible for ensuring automation supplies are maintained to avoid project delays.
•    Adhere to current Health and Safety regulations.
•    Perform all other related duties as assigned.

The pay range for this position is $85,000 to $100,000. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

Job Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:
•    Education:  Bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) or equivalent in a scientific related discipline. 
•    Experience:   At least seven years of related laboratory experience, including at least three years of automation/liquid handling experience (preferably Hamilton), including system set up/programming, preferably in a pharmaceutical or contract laboratory environment required.
•    An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.  
•    Certification/Licensure:  None
•    Other:  Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Understanding of regulatory requirements of study types assigned, as well as Testing Facility SOPs and the Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), as appropriate. Written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines. Proficiency in the use of standard software including Microsoft® Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc. and with standard laboratory calculations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
•    While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to talk, hear; work/type at a computer; record data by hand or at a computer terminal; and walk and/or stand for up to 75% of the workday.
•    Must be able to perform procedures, standing or sitting, for long periods of time, using appropriate instruments, reaching with hands and arms, working in narrow spaces, and wearing safety equipment (PPE) according to OSHA regulations and company standards.
•    Must be able to frequently hold and manipulate work materials while utilizing fine motor skills.  
•    Must be able to regularly provide information to and receive information from/through various technologies, media, sources and contacts.  Must be able to accurately exchange information in these situations.  
•    Regularly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.  
•    Move about inside the work area to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.  
•    Must be able to lift, move, manipulate and/or hold heavy objects up to and including 50 pounds; this includes work materials, equipment, and/or supplies.  
•    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
•    General office and lab working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
•    While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to wear protective clothing (i.e. goggles, face shield, cap, gloves, scrubs, shoe covers), work near toxic or caustic chemicals, work with biohazards. 
•    The employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, unpleasant odors and extreme temperature conditions.
•    The employee may occasionally be exposed to biological matrix from laboratory animals and humans with risk of exposure to allergens, zoonotic disease, and biohazards.
•    The noise level in the work environment ranges from low to moderate depending upon the task being performed.

COMMENTS: 
•    This position may require occasional travel.