Automation Engineer

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions, with the support of a global service network and distribution centers, providing the right solution, at the right time, to meet critical customer needs.  With over an 80+ year legacy of advancing science and a mission of innovating for a healthier world, our dedicated team collaborates closely with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver our broad portfolio of analytical solutions, and OneSource services.

Job Description

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for the role of Automation Engineer. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing scientific services and working with laboratory instruments in scientific laboratories. Works on-site at clients' locations for a wide variety of low- to high-end laboratory equipment. Provides a level of support, responsiveness, and knowledge to the customized specifications of the clients' users. Runs key experiments to keep labs moving forward, while typically using the clients' lab processes and space to ensure seamless delivery of desired quality and timelines for research projects. May manage scientific services engagements at clients' sites.  Ability to handle our sample handling procedures and an ability to run screening (HTRF, Alpha, Cellular, etc.) assays is a plus.

• Handle daily sample handling requests including weekly and Adhoc.

• 'First-responder' troubleshooting, error recovery and simple programming of the automated sample management platform.
• Agilent Bravo, Beckman Echo, and Hamilton Liquid Handler 'first-responder' troubleshooting, error recovery and programming.
• Development and implementation of a proactive maintenance regime for sample management automated platforms.
• Oversight & participation in equipment support activities of the sample management automated platforms.
• Development of support solutions built around the requirements of Sample Management team at customer site to enhance service delivery.
• Establishment & maintenance of strong relationships with the OEM Service Organizations, in particular Hamilton, Agilent, and Beckman
• Interact with other engineers to leverage platform / systems knowledge to minimize instrument downtime.
• Train equipment users on key concepts associated with the platforms within Medicine Design to support best-practice and mitigate avoidable run failures, ensuring optimal routine operation.
• Maintain awareness of new developments in the field of laboratory automation.

Critical Skills:

• Demonstrates appropriate use of relevant equipment: documented training, demonstrated hands on ability.
• Understands current regulatory requirements for own discipline (i.e. Documentation, Data Recording)
• Demonstrates understanding of impact of tasks being performed by scientists and their work.
• Patience is very important when training new people on lab technology

Basic Qualifications:

• B.Sc. in an Engineering or Life Sciences related subject.
• 2 years’ experience in laboratory automation and lab instrumentation support.

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.Sc. in a Life Sciences or Engineering related subject.
• 2 years’ experience in applications support or service development.
• Experience with Beckman Echos is preferred.
• Pharmaceutical / regulated working background.
• Previous experience of working in multidisciplinary customer facing teams.
• Basic understanding of automating scientific processes
• Experience of developing and optimizing complex protocols on liquid handling automation.
• Experience of servicing scientific equipment.
• Understanding of device networking and communications protocols.
• Strong understanding of Biochemical and cellular or assay techniques.
• Experience of scripting and other advanced programming languages a plus
• Experience of installing and servicing large integrated systems.
• Experience writing scripts in Hamilton (or similar) software.

Working Environment

• Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in laboratory.
• Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time
• The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite. Frequently operate on instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.
• Occasionally move or lift up to 25 pounds (potential for occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds).
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include without limitation, the ability to observe details at close range distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus in order to perform the essential service functions of this position.
• Occasionally operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Employee may be required to handle hazardous waste according to local, state, and federal regulations. Duties may include identifying, handling, generating, accumulating, storing and labeling hazardous waste.
• Potential risk to lab-based hazards including but not limited to extreme temperature, biological materials, hazardous chemicals.
• May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against animal allergens where animals are present in the laboratory environment.

The annual compensation range for this full-time position is $55,000 to $88,000. The final base pay offered to the successful candidate will be determined by factors including internal equity, work location, as well as individual qualifications, such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.