Senior Lab Automation Engineer

Manifold Bio is a dynamic biotech company building a pipeline of  targeted biologics using a novel in vivo-centric discovery approach. Our drug discovery engine is differentiated by massively parallel screening in vivo from the beginning of our discovery process. This unique platform is powered by a proprietary protein barcoding technology that allows multiplexed protein quantitation at unprecedented scale and sensitivity. We combine this and other high-throughput protein engineering approaches with computational design to create antibody-like drugs and other biologics. Our world-class team of protein engineers, biologists, and computational scientists are working together to aim the platform at therapeutic opportunities where precise targeting is the key to overcoming clinical challenges.

Role Overview:

As a Senior Lab Automation Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated workflows that support our cutting-edge research in protein engineering, high-throughput purification, multiplex ELISA assays, NGS, and high-content assays. You will create robust automation solutions that increase throughput, reproducibility, and data integrity across our laboratory operations. You will also be responsible for managing our sample management system to maintain and improve automated cold storage workflow. This hands-on role requires expertise across multiple engineering disciplines including project management, troubleshooting automation systems, developing protocols, liquid handling, and providing process validation/verification.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain and improve automated workflows for high-throughput protein purification, NGS, multiplex ELISA assays, and cell-based assays using Hamilton liquid handlers, Echo acoustic dispensers, and other automation platforms.
• Act as project manager for automation initiatives, designing and executing lab automation projects from conception to completion.
• Develop and maintain new lab processes including liquid handling, protein and nucleic acid quantitation/characterization, and scheduling on an integrated system.
• Implement solutions to streamline data flow from sample management to metadata capture, working collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Design user-friendly interfaces that allow scientists to operate automation systems independently without engineering support.
• Optimize sample management systems and automated cold storage workflows to ensure sample integrity and accessibility.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software issues across automation platforms to minimize downtime and maintain optimal system performance.
• Provide training and technical support to laboratory personnel on proper use of automated equipment and workflows.
• Document all automation processes according to regulatory requirements and company SOPs.
• Evaluate and implement new automation technologies to continuously improve laboratory efficiency and capabilities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Computer Science, or related technical field
• 6+ years of hands-on experience with laboratory automation in biotech or pharmaceutical settings
• Demonstrated expertise with automation technologies (Hamilton, Echo, Bulk dispensers, plate washers, HT flow, high-content assay, LabChip, I.DOT, PCR, etc.)
• Proficiency with laboratory scheduling software and automation programming languages
• Strong programming skills in at least one relevant language (Python, Java, C#)
• Experience developing automated workflows for high-throughput ELISA, NGS sample prep, protein purification
• Knowledge of laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data integration techniques
• Strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced startup environment

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on our platform technology and contribute to the development of novel therapeutics through cutting-edge automation solutions.

We value different experiences and ways of thinking and believe the most talented teams are built by bringing together people of diverse cultures, genders, and backgrounds.