Elegen is blazing a path towards a biology-based economy with a highly innovative approach to DNA synthesis that delivers an industry leading length of 7kb in 7 business days with a 99.999% per base accuracy. Our multidisciplinary team of best-in-class biologists, chemists, hardware, and software engineers apply cutting-edge technologies and methods to solve critical bottlenecks in synthetic biology workflows to help our customers in pharma, biotech, agbio, and biomanufacturing streamline their work and realize the full potential of programmable biology.
We are seeking a highly motivated Laboratory Automation Engineer to join our R&D department and help bring the next generation of Elegen products to market.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an automation engineer looking to take the next step in their career at a uniquely innovative, rapidly moving, high impact start-up. In addition to supporting our current automation pipeline and bringing forward the next generation of lab manufacturing you will help us establish a strong culture of mutual respect, integrity, and collaboration while working alongside some of Silicon Valley’s best scientists and engineers.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Work as part of the R&D team to identify and implement automation methods to support new product launches.
- Work with the process development team to deploy new automation platforms, train user base, and implement production process improvements.
- Take ownership of and develop instrument validation and calibration workflows.
- Work with the wider automation team to support new automation initiatives.
- Develop and maintain SOPs and work instruction documentation for lab automation systems.
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in life sciences or closely aligned Engineering field.
- A minimum of 2 years of experience programming and troubleshooting liquid handling platforms in an assay development, HTS, diagnostics, or manufacturing field as a lab automation scientist or engineer.
- Demonstrated experience working with R&D and PD teams to deliver automation projects.
- Strong interpersonal and clear communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to create, and maintain IQ, OQ, PQ protocols and SOPs for lab automation systems.
- Functional knowledge of at least one high level programming language (C# strongly preferred).
- Experience programming, executing, and troubleshooting workflows using Labcyte. Echo, Agilent Bravo, and Tecan Evo/Fluent or similar liquid handling technologies.
- Direct experience with common laboratory automation instruments used for NGS workflows.
- Proven ability to work as a high functioning individual contributor in a matrixed organization.
Preferred Candidate Qualifications:
- Previous startup experience is a plus.
- Working knowledge of JIRA, Confluence, or similar tools.
- Functional knowledge of molecular biology, DNA preparation, and sequencing protocols.
- Experience working with laboratory automation schedulers (PAA Overlord a strong plus).
- Experience integrating LIMS workflows with laboratory automation.
Salary and Benefits:
The annual base salary compensation for this role, if based in California is: $120,000 - $140,000. Compensation may be different in other locations. Final compensation also includes bonus, equity and benefits. Specific offer packages are determined by multiple factors, including candidate skill, experience, expertise, and location.
✓ Healthcare ✓ Dental ✓ Vision ✓ Learning Allowance
✓ 401K ✓ Flexible PTO ✓ Short Term Disability ✓ Fitness Allowance
About The Company:
Founded and led by Dr. Matthew Hill and located in San Carlos, CA, Elegen is well-capitalized by top life science investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, 8VC, and KdT. The company is advised and staffed by leading biotechnology scientists and entrepreneurs, including Dr. Marc Unger, inventor of the Nanoflex™ valve, and former CSO of Fluidigm. Dr. Hill has a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of advancing innovative technologies from invention to commercial success. Over eight years in his previous role as VP of R&D at a leading molecular diagnostics company, he co-invented and launched five precision molecular diagnostic products, including a best-in-class noninvasive prenatal test used by millions. These products earn more than $350 million per year in revenue and enabled an IPO.
Elegen is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Elegen provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law. All applicants have rights under the following Federal Employment Laws:
