Automation Scientist

Eikon Therapeutics is a new biopharmaceutical company employing revolutionary technology at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, computation, and biology to discover novel treatments for life-threatening diseases. Eikon’s discovery platform is built on groundbreaking innovations from its founders (Nobel Prize, 2014), culminating in the creation of microscopes which enable real time, molecular-resolution measurements of protein movement in living cells, thereby unlocking otherwise intractable classes of proteins as drug targets.

Position

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Automation Scientist II to join our Cell Line Engineering team. This role will act as a crucial bridge between the Biology Team and the Automation Team, facilitating seamless collaboration and integration of automation systems into cell line engineering processes.

About You

As our Automation Scientist II, you will work closely with both teams to optimize and streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and drive process improvements. You will also collaborate with other functional areas to share best practices and support internal projects.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate closely with biologists to understand their process requirements, challenges, and goals in cell line engineering.
• Act as a liaison between the Cell Line Engineering team and the Automation Team, fostering effective communication and collaboration.
• Collaborate with the Automation Team to design, develop, and optimize automated workflows for cell line engineering processes.
• Integrate automation systems, such as Hamilton and Tecan, into biological workflows, ensuring compatibility and efficient execution of experiments.
• Optimize automation protocols and workflows for improved efficiency, reliability, and data quality, employing statistical methods and process analysis tools.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to automation systems in collaboration with the Automation Team, ensuring smooth operation.
• Validate and optimize automation protocols in coordination with the Biology Team, ensuring compatibility with biological assays, cell culture methodologies, and gene editing tools.
• Train and support team members on the proper use and maintenance of automation systems, enabling their proficiency.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior team members, fostering their professional development and enhancing the team's capabilities.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in automation technologies and their applications in cell line engineering, implementing innovative solutions as appropriate.
• Contribute to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), documentation, and training materials related to automation processes.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline with a 2-4 years of industry experience, with a focus on integrating automation systems into biology-related workflows. Or master's degree with 10+ years of experience, or bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of experience.
• Strong expertise in automation systems, such as Hamilton and Tecan, with a proven track record of developing and optimizing automated workflows.
• Solid understanding of cell line engineering processes, including gene knockout, knock-in, and genome editing techniques.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and process optimization methodologies.
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to automation systems, in collaboration with technical support teams.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques, cell culture methodologies, and gene editing tools, enabling effective communication and collaboration with the Biology Team.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot complex technical challenges.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, facilitating collaboration between the Biology Team and the Automation Team.
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and knowledge-sharing.

At Eikon, employee compensation also includes bonus and equity compensation, in addition to several generous benefit programs, including:

• 401k plan with company matching
• Medical (premiums covered by Eikon at 95%), dental and vision insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%)
• Mental health and wellness benefits
• Weeklong summer and winter holiday shutdowns
• Generous paid time off and holiday policies
• Life/AD&D Insurance (premiums covered by Eikon at 100%) and optional supplemental employee-paid life/AD&D policies
• Enhanced parental leave benefit
• Daily subsidized lunch program when on-site

The expected salary range for this role is $118,000 to $136,000 depending on skills, competency, and the market demand for your expertise.