Automation Engineer - National Institute Biofoundry ; NIBA

Automation Engineer – National Institute for Biofoundry Applications (NIBA)

Provide various automation services in the NSF iBioFoundry which is part of the National Institute for Biofoundry Applications (NIBA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Lead the efforts to design, develop, standardize, and deploy automated workflows for synthetic biology applications on the NSF iBioFoundry and iBioFAB.

• Provide biofoundry services to external users such as defining service specifications, scope, and quality standards, designing and implementing reproducible automated workflows for users' research projects, and implementing cost and resource models for service pricing.
• Develop, modify, and improve automated workflows for various synthetic biology applications at the NSF iBioFoundry and iBioFAB.
• Generate and maintain documentation of automation protocols, project specifications, project design materials, and other documentation.
• Collaborate with internal and external software developers to define, develop, and implement the AI/ML, data, and logistics management needs of the facility.
• Participate in education, outreach, and workforce development activities such as facility tours, summer schools, certificate programs, developing educational tools and programs, working with industrial partners, and updating website content.
• Represent the facility at conferences and presentations, prepare publications and other written communications as necessary.
• Assist the center leadership team with various duties in ensuring smooth operation of the NSF iBioFoundry and iBioFAB.

Master's degree in a life sciences or biological field, chemistry or chemical engineering, computer science, engineering, or other related STEM fields.

Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, engineering, or related fields of study. Four or more years of relevant experience in a research setting. Experience in synthetic biology combined with biofoundry and laboratory automation workflow design and development as well as AI/ML.

• Experience with complex analytical instrumentation, automation equipment, or development of automated processes.
• Experience with laboratory automation equipment, especially liquid handlers such as Tecan liquid handler and Echo acoustic liquid handler, is preferred.
• Prior experience in automation of biological workflows is highly valued.
• Experience with developing workflows involving various biological workflows such as DNA cloning, protein engineering, and natural product discovery is highly valued.
• Previous experience with programming such as Python is preferred.
• Experience with project or lab management.
• Ability to supervise others, encouraging success of team members.
• Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally with internal and external parties.
• Must be organized, meticulous, self-directed, can handle a variety of tasks.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative when needed.
• Ability to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

This is a 100% full‑time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12‑month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 6/18/2025. The budgeted salary range is $60,000 to $85,000. The position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. The University of Illinois System also complies with required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review (E‑Verify). Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws.

Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity.