Cell Assay Automation Specialist

Cell Assay Automation Specialist

Location: Merck (Cambridge) - Customer Site MA

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate for the role of Automation Scientist. The successful candidate will work on-site at clients' locations to provide support, responsiveness, and knowledge to the customized specifications of the clients' users. The Automation Scientist will manage an integrated automation platform and conduct critical experiments to facilitate the advancement of laboratory operations, utilizing the clients' existing lab processes and building new processes to facilitate the seamless delivery of high-quality results within established timelines.

• Leverage integrated assay automation platform to execute medium‑high‑throughput automated workflows, including immunoassays, RNA extraction and cell‑based protocols in collaboration with therapeutic area and functional area scientists.
• Program the automated platform for assay protocol development.
• Train equipment users on key concepts associated with the platforms to support best‑practice and mitigate avoidable run failures, ensuring optimal routine operation.
• Act as the first‑responder for troubleshooting and error recovery.
• Maintain flexibility to accommodate rapidly changing priorities and deadlines.
• Support equipment maintenance and establish strong relationships with OEM service organizations.
• Interact with other engineers to leverage platform and systems knowledge to minimize instrument downtime.
• Manage laboratory inventories and handle biohazardous materials according to safety protocols.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and guidelines.

• B.Sc. in an engineering or life sciences related subject.
• 2+ years experience in laboratory automation and lab instrumentation support.

• M.Sc. in a life sciences or engineering related subject.
• Experience with Biomek iSeries, Combi, Blue Washer, Cytomat, Precise, Staubli, WDII, Plate Loc, Xpeel, Echo and HiG.
• Experience with scripting and other advanced programming languages.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team‑based environment.
• Proficiency in immunoassay techniques (MSD, ELISA).
• Experience with automated RNA extraction and primary cell culture.
• Knowledge of device networking and communications protocols.

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.).
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time.
• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite.
• Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus to perform the essential service functions of this position.
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste.
• Potential risk to lab‑based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, and hazardous chemicals.
• May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.

The annual compensation range for this full‑time position is $56,000 to $88,000.

Perkin Elmer is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.