About Us
Molecular Assemblies, Inc. is a private life sciences company pioneering enzymatic DNA synthesis technology to power the next generation of DNA-based products. Our patented Fully Enzymatic Synthesis™ (FES™) technology, inspired by nature, reliably produces long, high-quality, sequence-specific DNA. This innovative approach enables advances in industrial synthetic biology, precision medicine, and emerging applications such as DNA data storage, nanomachines, and bio-based electronics. Molecular Assemblies is headquartered in San Diego, where we are transforming the future of DNA synthesis.
Job Summary
Molecular Assemblies, Inc. is seeking a highly experienced Senior Automation Engineer to join our innovative team. This role will primarily focus on automating existing workflows, such as NGS sample preparation, sample processing and handling. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing cutting-edge automation solutions to support our dynamic research environment, working closely with scientists and engineers to enable rapid experimentation and process optimization. This role is based in San Diego and you are required to be able to go onsite.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and deploy end-to-end laboratory automation solutions.
- Create, optimize, and maintain high-throughput workflows using liquid-handling robots and integrated automation workcells.
- Expand the scope of existing automation by introducing new functionalities and evaluating novel devices and technologies.
- Troubleshoot laboratory automation systems, working with internal experts and external vendors to perform root cause analysis and resolve issues.
- Document best practices, train end users, and support independent execution of automated workflows.
- Partner with IT and Data Science teams to automate data flows, ensuring data integrity and efficient data management.
- Assist in the design and implementation of integrated platforms to provide comprehensive automation solutions.
- Engage in scientific discussions, present process improvements, and contribute to scientific articles and papers.
- Ad hoc duties as required.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. with 2+ years, M.S. with 4+ years, or B.S. with 6+ years of hands-on experience in laboratory automation, focusing on liquid-handling robots and integrated automation workcells. Studies should be in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
- Experience integrating systems into high-throughput production environments
- Experience with scheduling software (e.g., Green Button Go, Cellario, Momentum) and liquid-handling robots (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter). Opentrons experience is a plus.
- Proven track record in automating laboratory workflows within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries. Candidates with strong problem-solving skills are preferred.
- Experience migrating biological or biochemical assays onto automated systems and gathering user requirements for complex workflows. Assay miniaturization experience is a plus.
- Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills for collaboration with scientists, vendors, and end users across various levels.
- Preferred experience with programming languages (e.g., Python, C#, Visual Basic), analytical assay development, automated sample management systems, and working with hybrid/remote teams.
Health & Benefits at MAI:
- Salary Range: $100,000 – $130,000. The base salary range represents the low and high end of the anticipated salary range for this position. The actual base salary offered for this position will be based on many factors including but not limited to individual performance, location of job, experience and skills required for this role.
- Medical, dental & vision plans offered
- 401k plan
- Generous stock options
- Paid vacation days
- Bonus eligible role
Don’t meet every requirement?
At MAI we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace so if you don’t check all the boxes in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the person we are looking for!
