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Associate Automation Engineer

Emeryville, CA

Our mission at Ansa Biotechnologies is to revolutionize the way we make DNA. Compared to reading or editing life’s code, writing new code from scratch has remained one of the field’s most elusive challenges. At Ansa, we are putting nature to work, creating novel enzymatic solutions that will redefine how we build DNA. We believe that the biggest challenges our world faces will be solved using biotechnology and that DNA synthesis is the fuel for that transformation. Our enzyme-based approach (published in Nature Biotechnology) promises to dramatically accelerate innovation in biological research and biotechnology, including therapeutics, diagnostics, biomanufacturing, and synthetic biology. We look forward to our DNA products making an impact.

We believe lab automation facilitates novel synthetic biology applications through the synthesis of high-quality DNA at scale. In this role, you would accelerate the rate of discovery by developing and utilizing automated systems to dramatically impact synthetic biology. As one of the first members of our manufacturing team, you will have the opportunity to help build and support a growing and critical part of our operations. Beyond manufacturing, you will be a part of a dynamic, cross-functional, highly collaborative team operating at the interface between chemists, synthetic chemists, enzymologists, and automation experts.

If you have a passion for the life sciences and the fundamental components of new technology, this job is for you!


Responsibilities

  • Support the development, testing, and deployment of laboratory automation systems, including liquid handlers, colony pickers, and other robotic instrumentation.
  • Collaborate with R&D scientists and manufacturing teams to identify automation opportunities and optimize existing workflows.
  • Provide hands-on training and ongoing technical support to end users of automation systems and laboratory equipment.
  • Perform routine calibrations, preventive maintenance, and system health checks to ensure performance and regulatory compliance.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and integration issues across laboratory and production environments.
  • Coordinate with external vendors for equipment maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and the procurement of parts and consumables.
  • Maintain accurate documentation related to equipment operation, maintenance, and validation activities.
  • Support equipment installation and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) as needed.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods of time in a lab or production setting.
  • Required to be available on an On-call basis for technical troubleshooting support across weekends and/or evenings.


Experience

  • Hands-on experience with automated liquid handling platforms, especially Hamilton STAR/STARlet systems
  • Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) for collaborative code development
  • Knowledge of laboratory quality systems, including documentation, calibration, and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)
  • Experience with integrated automation systems and associated communication protocols (APIs, serial interfaces, schedulers)
  • Ability to learn and adapt quickly in a multidisciplinary environment with evolving requirements and tight deadlines
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to clearly discuss and present technical concepts and results.
  • Commitment to demonstrating kindness, respect, and collaboration with a diverse set of colleagues of different backgrounds and disciplines. 

What We Offer:

  • A chance to be part of a company that's transforming the future of science.
  • A collaborative, inclusive, and dynamic work environment.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development.
  • Salary Range $100-120k

 

 

 

 

 

 

 











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