Sr. Automation Engineer I, Automation Engineering

The Role: 

We seek a highly skilled and motivated Automation Engineer to assist in the implementation of high-throughput assays for drug product development and screening in the research environment.  The role will primarily provide support to scientists by automating manual laboratory processes and improving existing processes using liquid handlers and other lab automation tools.  The individual will join the Research Automation team, which includes both scientists and engineers working synergistically to provide automation solutions across a dynamic research landscape.   Candidates should be comfortable functioning in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment, with excellent communication skills.

Here’s What You’ll Do:  

• Specific projects will involve collaborative interactions within a multidisciplinary group and across a diverse array of scientific areas.  The applicant will work closely with scientists and engineers to design, develop, test and successfully deploy liquid handler methods, ensuring the instruments are functioning to manufacturers’ specifications and yielding robust scientific data. The candidate will also be expected to provide critical automation knowledge and hands-on support to other automation engineers, contributing to the team’s ability to efficiently and effectively design and troubleshoot automated high-throughput screening and development solutions across a variety of scientific disciplines and applications. This position requires critical thinking, flexibility, multitasking, great attention to detail, and the ability to utilize an automated infrastructure and associated digital tools to support the continued advancement and implementation of relevant, impactful and sustainable automated solutions.

• Responsibilities:

• Develop new liquid handler protocols for the screening and high-throughput assay platforms.

• Optimize new liquid handler protocols for the screening and high-throughput assay platforms.

• Routinely investigate, adapt, and improve existing assays, methods, and procedures to advance projects and accommodate the evolving science.

• Use existing technical/scientific procedures and methodologies to troubleshoot problems.

• Assist scientists in the labs with operating automated platforms.

• Provide error-recovery support as needed to increase operational success.

• Track/record problems with the automated systems for proper troubleshooting and method improvements/updates. Explore and evaluate novel technologies in automation, liquid handling, sample analysis, etc. 

• Locate resources and information independently to troubleshoot issues.

• Train users on new methods and protocols.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table: 

• Requires a BS/MS in biology/engineering/biotechnology. 

• Minimum of 6-years of experience in industry (relevant automation experience is preferred).

• Experience with Liquid Handlers is required (such as Hamilton, Biomek, Hudson, HighRes, or Momentum)

• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues that arise with liquid handling equipment.

• Experience working in a laboratory environment with the ability to mentor and train others.

• Capable of planning, organizing, conducting and managing multiple projects/priorities efficiently.

• Present data confidently and clearly within project/team meetings.

• Excellent written, oral communication, interpersonal and collaborative skills.

• The successful candidate will have an analytical mindset, creative problem-solving skills, and will be methodical and organized.

• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.

Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
• Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
• Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring
• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes 
• Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment
• Adoption and family-planning benefits
• Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ community
• Generous paid time off, including:
  •    Vacation, sick time and holidays
  •    Volunteer time to participate within your community
  •    Discretionary year-end shutdown
  •    Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafter
• Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
• 401k match and Financial Planning tools
• Moderna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options
• Complimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests
• Free parking or subsidized commuter passes
• Location-specific perks and extras!

About Moderna

Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world. 

By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.

We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.

As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute and make a meaningful impact.

If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.

Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.

Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!

Moderna is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.  (EEO/AAP Employer) 

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