Lab Automation Engineer III

Who we are:

Calico is a research and development company whose mission is to understand the biology of aging, and to help people to lead longer and healthier lives. We aim to combine the best biomedical science with cutting edge technology and computing.

Position Description:

Calico is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Laboratory Automation Engineer.  This person will be responsible for assembling core laboratory automation infrastructure including: the selection and deployment of liquid handling systems and robotic integrations, building custom hardware and software, and creating processes and controls that enable scientists to effectively use those systems.  Day-to-day tasks will include:

• Working directly with scientists and management stakeholders to understand their processes and translating those requirements into specifications for automation solutions
• Programming commercial liquid handling and automation systems, and also modifying and extending those systems to increase capability and usability
• Designing and building custom prototype devices and systems to enable novel research

Position Requirements:

• Experience implementing complex systems and equipment: defining system requirements, establishing best practices, and proactively monitoring system performance
• Experience with microbiology, molecular biology, flow cytometry, high content analysis (HCA), high throughput screening (HTS), genomics and sequencing, mass spectrometry, and/or any other standard life-science laboratory workflows
• BS/MS in science or engineering discipline, minimum 10 years of relevant experience, PhD not required

Expertise with commercial automation equipment:

• Detailed knowledge of multiple commercial liquid handling systems (Tecan EVO and Fluent, Agilent Bravo, Beckman Coulter FX/NX/iSeries, Hamilton STAR and Vantage)
• Expertise with development and operation of integrated robotic systems and automation scheduling software applications (Agilent VWorks, Biosero GreenButtonGo, PAA Overlord)
• Up-to-date knowledge of commercial options for large- and small-scale equipment

Custom hardware and software development, any of the following:

• Significant experience with software development:
  • 5+ years experience with any major programming language (C#.NET, C/C++, Python)
  • Communication with 3^rd party devices and software through APIs, web-services, and/or direct commands, and the ability to write interfaces for receiving commands
  • Database design: schema development, basic administration, and front-end integration
• Mechanical design using CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Rhino): able to generate parts, assemblies, and drawings for manufacture and rapid prototyping
• Electrical engineering skills: ability to read and draw circuit diagrams, wire and solder components
• Microfluidics: experience building interfaces to microfluidic systems, experience with custom design and fabrication of microfluidic devices