Senior Automation Engineer I

About Generate:Biomedicines

Generate:Biomedicines is a new kind of therapeutics company – existing at the intersection of machine learning, biological engineering, and medicine – pioneering Generative Biology™ to create breakthrough medicines where novel therapeutics are computationally generated, instead of being discovered. The Company has built a machine learning-powered biomedicines platform with the potential to generate new drugs across a wide range of biologic modalities. This platform represents a potentially fundamental shift in what is possible in the field of biotherapeutic development.

We pursue this audacious vision because we believe in the unique and revolutionary power of generative biology to radically transform the lives of billions, with an outsized opportunity for patients in need. We are seeking collaborative, relentless problem solvers that share our passion for impact to join us!

Generate:Biomedicines was founded in 2018 by Flagship Pioneering and has received nearly $700 million in funding, providing the resources to rapidly scale the organization. The Company has offices in Somerville and Andover, Massachusetts with over 275 employees.

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced, driven, and innovative Senior Lab Automation Engineer to join our Automation Engineering team. In this role, you will help lead and expand our lab automation capabilities, guiding the development of complex workflows, automating key laboratory processes, and providing technical leadership for a talented team of automation engineers. You will work closely with scientists, data engineers, and software developers to implement solutions that enhance laboratory throughput, precision, and scalability. 

As a Senior Lab Automation Engineer, you will have a significant impact on the efficiency and quality of our scientific operations, with a particular focus on automating wet lab protocols related to molecular biology, protein expression, purification, and characterization, as well as cell-based functional assays and biophysical characterization. Furthermore, you will be a key contributor in shaping the future of lab automation, spearheading initiatives towards a more integrated and fully automated lab environment. This will ensure the generation of high-quality data, crucial for enabling our machine learning (ML) model development for lead discovery and optimization. You will have a chance to collaborate with our internal ML experts to develop and integrate AI tools that enhance lab efficiency, streamline workflows, and drive innovation throughout the organization. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary individual who is ambitious, deeply curious about science, and passionate about driving innovation that will have a transformative impact on human health. If you are ready to shape the future of lab automation and be part of groundbreaking advancements, this role is for you. This role will be onsite in our Somerville, MA location with limited support in our Andover, MA location.

Here's how you will contribute:

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of automated protocols on integrated robotic work cells and lab automation systems. Provide technical mentorship and training to junior engineers, supporting their growth and ensuring effective teamwork. 

• Partner with lab scientists to understand workflow needs and translate them into automated solutions. Oversee the development and qualification of methods for liquid handling robots and other laboratory automation equipment, ensuring efficient and effective implementation. 

• Design, implement, and refine automated workflows using liquid handling robots (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Biomek, Dynamic Devices). Develop and manage hardware and software integrations to improve throughput, precision, and data consistency. 

• Collaborate with the Informatics teams to ensure seamless integration between data generation and data capture, streamlining processes from workflow design through execution and data capture. 

• Identify opportunities for workflow enhancement and drive continuous improvement through new technology adoption. Apply advanced engineering and programming skills to solve complex problems and support research goals. 

• Manage project timelines and work closely with stakeholders to ensure project success, from initial concept through final deployment. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align project objectives, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies. 

• Maintain thorough documentation of automation protocols, system modifications, and best practices. Ensure compliance with safety standards and work closely with cross-functional teams to support regulatory and safety requirements. 

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience, preferably in the biotech or pharmaceutical industry. 

• Extensive hands-on experience with lab automation systems, including leading liquid handling robots (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Biomek, Lynx), and advanced integrated lab automation platforms (such as HighRes, Retisoft, GBG, Automata). Proven expertise in leveraging these technologies to streamline laboratory workflows and significantly enhance research productivity. 

• Experience in life sciences with knowledge of molecular biology, protein purification, high-throughput screening, and cell culture techniques. Ability to rapidly interpret bench protocols, anticipate challenges, and develop innovative solutions for automating these processes. 

• Background in mechanical design (CAD/CAM) and prototype fabrication for customized lab automation solutions, with the ability to design and develop custom solutions when needed to meet unique research requirements. 

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, with demonstrated experience in developing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automation scripts. 

• Good understanding of data architecture and management best practices, including experience with using APIs and database systems for data integration and visualization. 

• Experience in managing or mentoring junior engineers and leading technical projects, with strong skills in project prioritization and cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently manage and execute complex projects from conception to deployment. 

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across diverse technical and scientific teams. 

Nice to Have 

• Familiarity with AWS cloud infrastructure and version control systems such as GitLab or GitHub. 
• Experience with APIs, knowledge of machine learning models (e.g. OpenAI, LLM), and a strong ability to leverage ML to enhance laboratory experience and workflows. 

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Generate:Biomedicines is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

COVID Safety:

Generate:Biomedicines enforces a mandatory vaccination policy for COVID-19. All employees must be fully vaccinated and have received a booster.  The purpose of this policy is to safeguard the health of our employees, their families, and the community at large from infectious disease that may be reduced by vaccinations.  The Company will make exceptions to this policy if required by applicable law and will consider requests for an exemption from this policy due to a medical reason, or because of a sincerely held religious belief, or any other exemptions that may be recognized by applicable.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Generate:Biomedicines does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Generate:Biomedicines or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by the Company’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Generate:Biomedicines and the Company will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.