Lab Robotics Engineer

Plasmidsaurus
San Francisco, US
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to mid-level engineers with Python and lab automation experience working in biotech. Geared toward candidates comfortable with high agency and hardware-software integration in a fast-paced environment.

Best fit for

  • Python engineers who enjoy integrating software with lab hardware.
    — “Writing production-quality Python code to control our robotic platforms
  • Candidates with experience scaling lab protocols through automation.
    — “Collaborating with our world-class scientists to productionize new lab protocols
  • Hardware tinkerers comfortable with Raspberry Pis and 3D printing.
    — “Experience with 3D printing (e.g., Fusion 360) and basic CAD modeling

Things to consider

  • Requires familiarity with molecular biology and lab protocols.
    — “Familiarity with molecular biology protocols with 1+ yrs lab experience
  • Expect to deploy and monitor robots across global labs.
    — “Building and managing a fleet of robots and monitoring systems

How to stand out

  • Demonstrate projects where you scaled lab processes with code.
    — “1+ years of experience automating, optimizing and scaling lab procedures
  • Highlight any C#/.NET experience for scripting automation equipment.
    — “Some experience with C# and .NET frameworks for scripting automation equipment
  • Showcase computer vision projects with OpenCV or similar tools.
    — “Some experience with simple computer vision (e.g., OpenCV)
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · TeamLevel · Mid Level

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • optimized lab protocols
  • deployed automation systems
Typical background
degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Biologyexperience with lab robotics

Skills & requirements

Required

PythonRoboticsEmbedded SystemsAutomation

Preferred

3D PrintingCAD ModelingComputer Vision

Stack & domain

PythonFlaskDjangoOpentronsHamiltonDockerAnsibleAWSTerraformRaspberry PiFusion 360Cad ModelingSimple Computer VisionLeadershipCommunicationCuriosityCollaborationProblem-solvingBiotechGenomicsSequencingAutomationRobotics

About the role

Original posting from Plasmidsaurus via Ashby

About Plasmidsaurus

Plasmidsaurus is on a mission to accelerate new cures and promote a healthier planet by unlocking a new level of productivity for scientists. Our sequencing services are used daily by thousands of innovators, including Nobel laureates, Fortune 100 pharma, and over 70,000 scientists.

We began by revolutionizing plasmid sequencing, making it exponentially cheaper and faster, with innovative sequencing technologies and a global network of laboratories that turn samples into answers in hours, not weeks.

Now we are expanding that same disruptive model across all of genomics. With the launch of our new RNA-seq service, we are taking a bold step toward our vision to sequence everything, providing scientists everywhere with faster, simpler, and more affordable access to the data that powers discovery.

Every team member at Plasmidsaurus plays a crucial role in driving the future of biotech research. Together, we are building the world’s most efficient sequencing engine that operates overnight, scales globally, and helps scientists make breakthroughs faster than ever before.

As a Lab Robotics Engineer at Plasmidsaurus, you will play a crucial role in automating and optimizing our sample processing pipeline. You'll be directly responsible for developing, deploying, and maintaining automation processes across our global network of labs.

Your responsibilities will span:

  • Writing production-quality Python code to control our robotic platforms, integrating with various lab instruments
  • Designing robotic systems using various hardware components and embedded systems, including Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, and custom-designed electronic & mechanical parts
  • Collaborating with our world-class scientists to productionize new lab protocols, leveraging your expertise in automation to scale and refine these processes
  • Building and managing a fleet of robots and monitoring systems to proactively identify and address issues with robots in the field

CULTURE

You are someone who:

  • Enjoys high agency and high ownership work
  • Is curious about learning from other people’s expertise in scientific/biological domains
  • Is excited to make an impact on the scientific community, enabling the next generation of medicines, biotechnology, and even plant-based-meats!
  • Can lead projects from idea to production independently
  • Is a life-long learner
  • Is excited to work in a tight-knit fast-paced environment with a motivated team
  • Values clear communication and helping others learn new skills

QUALIFICATIONS

  • BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Biology, or relevant work experience
  • 3+ years of experience programming in Python (web frameworks like Flask/Django a plus!)
  • Familiarity with molecular biology protocols with 1+ yrs lab experience
  • 1+ years of experience automating, optimizing and scaling lab procedures using liquid handling systems (OpenTrons, Hamilton, etc.) and lab robotics
  • Experience with orchestration and deploying software to multiple devices in the field (e.g. Docker, Ansible)
  • Experience with cloud platforms and infrastructure-as-code (e.g., AWS, Terraform)
  • Experience writing software for Raspberry Pi
  • Experience with building & maintaining QA, telemetry, and monitoring systems to ensure device stability
  • Experience working with Linux servers
  • Experience with 3D printing (e.g., Fusion 360) and basic CAD modeling
  • Some experience with simple computer vision (e.g., OpenCV)
  • (Preferred) Some experience with C# and .NET frameworks for scripting automation equipment
  • (Preferred) interest in learning about biotechnology and DNA sequence analysis

WHY PLASMIDSAURUS?

  • IMPACT: Your work will directly contribute to accelerating biotech research. This research is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for stopping climate change and developing novel therapies.
  • INNOVATION: Work on the cutting edge of biotech and software, introducing indispensable tools to top-tier researchers.
  • COMMUNITY: Join a passionate, resourceful team that values close, interactive relationships with our customers and each other.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description as we seek out diverse and creative perspectives. Team members who love to learn and collaborate in an inclusive environment will thrive with us. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need additional accommodations to feel comfortable during your interview process, please let us know at careers@plasmidsaurus.com. careers@plasmidsaurus.com

Source: Plasmidsaurus careers (Ashby)

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