Automation Engineer

About Arc InstituteThe Arc Institute is a new scientific institution conducting curiosity-driven basic science and technology development to understand and treat complex human diseases. Arc is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, and operates in partnership with Stanford University, UCSF, and UC Berkeley.Arc funds core research programs and provides operational, financial, and scientific support to enable long-term high-risk, high-reward science. Arc focuses on funding stability, technology development, collaborative culture, and a supportive environment to advance progress in disease cures, including neurodegeneration, cancer, and immune dysfunction.Arc has scaled to nearly 200 people with $650M+ in committed funding and a state-of-the-art new lab facility in Palo Alto.About the positionWe are seeking a highly skilled Automation Engineer to join our Multiomic Technology Center and lead the design, development, implementation, and optimization of complex lab automation workflows. The role will work closely with cross-functional teams, analyze the needs and requirements of high throughput 2D and 3D stem cell culture, genome engineering, and downstream single cell and NGS analysis workflows, and design and develop streamlined solutions to transfer manual processes to automated platforms. The role requires a strong engineering mindset to account for the complexity of biological model systems. This role is crucial for enabling high-quality, large-scale data generation for our Virtual Cell and Alzheimer/u2019s Disease Initiatives, which aim to create the first foundational model capable of predicting cellular states and responses to intervention to advance understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.About youYou are system-minded, passionate about developing automated laboratory workflows to enable high-impact large-scale research.You are collaborative, and enjoy working with interdisciplinary teams to gather requirements and deliver engineering solutionsYou are self-motivated and independent, thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.You are creative and resourceful, embrace challenges and adapt quickly to evolving system requirementsYou are diligent and detail oriented, with exceptional troubleshooting and systematic problem-solving skillsYou are quality-driven and highly professional, committed to robust documentation, validation protocols, and engineering best practicesYou combine engineering expertise with a deep appreciation of biological systems, understanding how biology/u2019s variability, constraints and nuances shape automation designIn this position you willCollaborate with wet lab scientists to analyze current manual workflows, identify bottlenecks, draft system requirements, and develop plans to transfer manual processes to automated systemsDevelop, implement, and optimize robotic and software-based automation solutions, focusing on automating stem cell culture, molecular and cell-based assaysProgram and troubleshoot current liquid handling and robotic systems; select, onboard, and integrate new instrumentationProgram control software and integrate various instruments into cohesive workflowsDesign and implement data integration methodology to ensure seamless data transfer between hardware and LIMSDesign, coordinate, and execute validation experiments to ensure precision, accuracy, and reproducibility of resultsTroubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to automation systems, and develop systematic methodology for troubleshooting complex issuesTrain scientists and lab staff on newly implemented automated equipment and protocolsCoordinate equipment on-boarding, maintenance, and calibration for automated systemsPresent plans, results and technical recommendations to stakeholders internally and externallyRequirementsBachelor/'s degree or above in Engineering, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field6+ years for BS (or 4+ years for MS) of hands-on experience designing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory automation systemsExperience programming and optimizing liquid handling methodsExperience interfacing, integrating and scheduling multiple laboratory instrumentationsProficiency in programming languages such as Python or C#Experience integrating and managing data with LIMSDemonstrated experience with cell culture automationFamiliarity with mammalian cell culture, genomics, molecular and cell-based assaysDemonstrated ability to apply engineering solutions in the context of biological workflows with an understanding of the underlying biologyFamiliarity with Design of Experiments principles and statistical analysisExcellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skillsAttention to detail and strong organization skillsStrong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teamsAbility to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneouslyPreferred QualificationsExperience in high-throughput production environments or high-throughput screening applicationsExperience with human stem cell culture, organoids, molecular engineering, or single cell analysis methodsThe base salary range for this position is $158,500 to $196,500. The actual base compensation paid may vary based on experience, market conditions, education, and other factors. This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on individual and institute performance factors.Apply for this jobTo apply, please visit the Arc Institute careers page and submit your application materials.Arc Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and are committed to a diverse, inclusive workforce. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-21