Associate Automation Engineer • Passion Placement

Berkeley, CA

It’s a Perfect Day to change the world! At Perfect Day, we’re doing just that.

Perfect Day was founded in 2014 to create delicious, nutritious dairy products that everyone can love. We’re using fermentation (not animals) to make dairy proteins that are the foundation for foods like ice cream, cheese and yogurt – all with the distinctive taste and textures that consumers demand, but without lactose or environmental downsides. Through partnerships with respected brands, we’re working to launch a whole range of dairy products that will help shape a humane, sustainable food system for future generations.

The Associate Automation Engineer will work closely with the Automation Engineer to assist in the creation and implementation of automated workflows for teams across our research and development/ biotechnology group. Will be directly responsible for contributing to all aspects of lab automation projects, including designing, developing, testing, implementing, and supporting automated sample-processing workflows to adapt manual benchtop assays to be performed on integrated liquid handling platforms. Duties will include workflow optimization, troubleshooting, and validation, as well as drafting SOPs, and assisting in training lab staff. The associate will leverage an understanding of molecular biology and biochemistry as they script & test liquid handling methods for analytical and sample preparation processes. The Associate Automation Engineer will work in a fast-paced, collaborative, results-driven environment, assisting with a variety of automation projects under the guidance and direction of the Automation Engineer in order to increase throughput, address bottlenecks, and improve the quality of the samples being processed. Will also contribute to protocol generation, report writing, and presentation preparation, as well as inventory tracking and ordering of supplies.

YOU CONTRIBUTION:

Essential functions:

The successful candidate will apply scientific methods and liquid handler programming skills in order to automate sample processing workflows.

Contribute to the design, development, optimization, and implementation of automated liquid handling processes, systems, and streamlined workflows.

Program robotic liquid handling workstations and integrated robotic systems.

Assist in the implementation and integration of LIMS within newly created, automated workflows.

Other functions:

Maintain adequate stock of consumables for high-throughput automated workflows.

Routine maintenance and troubleshooting/ support to keep robotic instrumentation operational.

Drafting SOPs and training lab staff to facilitate implementation of laboratory automation solutions.

Competencies:

Must be an eager, inquisitive problem solver that thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Ability to quickly master the operations, programs & maintenance of new systems and software.

Adept multi-tasker with excellent communication and analytical skills.

KNOWLEDGE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science, preferably in molecular biology, genetics or biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering or a closely related discipline, or

AA-plus operator/programmer certificate(s) for automated robotic or liquid handler platforms.

3-5 years hands-on experience operating and programming liquid handling robotics

Knowledge of basic protein chemistry, cell culture, fermentation, and molecular biology principles, & experimental lab techniques.

Proven track record of automating and scaling up benchtop workflows

Experience with LIMS, MS Office.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaborative skills, ability to excel in a fast-paced, start-up environment.

Additional Information and Skills:

Experience with programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting for Tecan, Beckman, or Hamilton liquid handling robots.

Experience creating complex workflows utilizing integrated automated platforms which include vacuum filtration, plate readers, and/or incubation units.

Experience with automated colony picking instruments (Q Pix) and plate reader tools.

Experience working with filamentous fungi, colony PCR, HPLC, high throughput screening, gel electrophoresis, protein quantification, and aseptic technique.

Proficient in JMP, or other statistical analytical tools.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, with or without corrective lenses.

Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods at a given time; reach, climb, kneel, bend, push and/or pull, and at times lift objects as heavy as 25 lbs.

Perfect Day is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

It’s a Perfect Day to change the world. The day when delicious dairy goodness is something everyone can love. The day we say goodbye to the downsides of factory farming. The day we throw a big party with luscious, animal-free milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, all made with Perfect Day! We hope you join us!

More Information

City Berkeley