Senior Automation Engineer

Company Overview

Since its inception over a decade ago, CRISPR Therapeutics has transformed from a research-stage company advancing programs in the field of gene editing, to a company with a diverse portfolio of product candidates across a broad range of disease areas including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine, cardiovascular and rare diseases. The Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR science has revolutionized biomedical research and represents a powerful, clinically validated approach with the potential to create a new class of potentially transformative medicines. To accelerate and expand its efforts, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic partnerships with leading companies including Bayer and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California, and business offices in London, United Kingdom.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to join an exciting, fast-paced, and well-financed company to develop novel gene editing therapies for serious diseases. The successful candidate will understand molecular biology protocols and techniques, have a mindset for efficiency and troubleshooting, and display a strong interest in laboratory automation. This position requires enthusiasm, attention to detail, and a desire to create new medicines for patients.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize new liquid handler protocols for the screening and high-throughput assay platforms, specifically using Hamilton Venus.
• Work with scientists to develop, optimize, and implement automated workflows.
• Perform lab automation operations including protocol design, error recovery, position-teaching, etc.
• Drive software communication drivers between lab automation systems.
• Deploy integrated lab automation solutions based on dynamic scheduling systems.
• Track/record problems with the automated systems and assay setups for proper troubleshooting.
• Explore, evaluate, and implement newer hardware and digital control technologies in automation, to improve on sample analysis.
• Train users on new methods and protocols of system functionalities to automate processes using automated liquid handling and other modular platforms.
• Educate users about lab automation instruments, software, and their capabilities.
• Collaborate and coordinate with internal and external groups to identify appropriate solutions to improve capacity and efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in biology/engineering/biotechnology or related field.
• 6-10+ years of relevant experience or 4-8 years with an advanced degree.
• Proven experience in developing, validating, and troubleshooting methods and instruments for liquid handling, particularly Hamilton liquid handlers.
• Expertise in VENUS laboratory automation control software.
• Experience with LIMS systems or database.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced multi-tasking environment.
• Must demonstrate an ability to troubleshoot complex problems on automation equipment.
• Prior experience successfully automating manual lab processes.
• Strong communication and programming skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior research experience in the biotech industry with a focus on next-generation sequencing.
• Prior experience with amplicon sequencing, LNP/mRNA production.
• Expertise in Python, R, Java, or other scripting languages.
• Experience with Benchling workflows.

Competencies

• Collaborative – Openness, One Team.
• Undaunted – Fearless, Can-do attitude.
• Results Orientation – Delivering progress toward our mission. Sense of urgency in solving problems.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – Proactive. Ownership mindset.

Due to the nature of their work, our manufacturing and lab-based positions are located fully on-site.

CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc. is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected under applicable law.