Senior R&D Engineer, Lab Automation Applications Engineer

Biohub

Lab Automation Applications Engineer designing automated protocols for cell biology at Biohub. Collaborating across teams to enhance throughput and data quality in an AI-driven research environment.

Posted 4/28/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $190,000 - $261,800 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design, development, testing, and validation of automated protocols for cell biology (including multi-day cell culture and passaging), cell imaging, and molecular biology.
Independently program and optimize methods on Hamilton STAR/Vantage platforms using VENUS software, and other platforms, such as Opentrons and Agilent Bravos.
Partner with research scientists and technology teams to scope automation protocols, define requirements, and deliver solutions that meet scientific and throughput goals.
Develop and maintain robust quality control processes for automated workflows, including run validation, error handling, and performance monitoring.
Create and maintain comprehensive documentation including method specifications, SOPs, validation reports, and training materials.
Troubleshoot and resolve, in collaboration with hardware and software engineers and/or scientists, complex hardware, software, and method issues.
Manage vendor relationships for maintenance and support.
Mentor junior automation engineers and contribute to the team's technical growth and best practices.
Identify and implement process improvements that increase throughput, reliability, and data quality across the automation platform.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, or related field.
5+ years of hands-on experience with laboratory automation in a biology research or industrial biotech environment.
Demonstrated expertise programming and running automated liquid handling systems. Experience with Hamilton STAR and Vantage liquid handlers and the VENUS software are a big plus.
Experience with robotic arms, robot programming, PLC systems, or motion control.
Experience integrating liquid handlers with peripheral lab instruments and scheduling systems.
Proficiency in Python or another scripting language for automation support, data analysis, or custom tooling.
Strong understanding of molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology laboratory techniques.
Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects from concept through deployment.
Demonstrated experience with proper documentation of protocols and operating procedures, performance/quality control metrics, etc.
Commitment to reproducible research practices and rigorous documentation.
Demonstrated ability to think creatively and work independently.
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly adapt to new technological challenges and troubleshoot complex technical problems.
Eager to learn new methods, protocols and technologies.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Highly collaborative spirit and strong teamwork skills.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice.
Funding for select family-forming benefits.
Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

automated protocolscell biologycell imagingmolecular biologyliquid handling systemsrobot programmingPLC systemsPythonVENUS softwarequality control processes

Soft Skills

problem-solvingproject managementcreativityindependencecommunicationinterpersonal skillscollaborationteamworkmentoringprocess improvement