Job Description

In this role, you’ll be responsible for automating and scaling complex workflows and implements processes for a state-of-the-art sequencing lab.  You will support the development of all parts of a state-of-the-art automated assay workflow.  You will be working with a small team of automation engineers, and leading all aspects of automation development from concept, requirements definition, and automated assay development including liquid handling, optimization, error handling, and validation.  You will leverage an understanding of molecular biology to troubleshoot analytical and preparative processes on automation platforms. The successful candidate will apply engineering skills and scientific methods to improve the scalability and reliability of Guardant Health’s automated assay workflows.

You must be collaborative and able to effectively work with cross-functional teams working across a variety of projects.  These cross-functional teams will develop, optimize, and implement robust, scalable solutions for Guardant Health’s sample processing workflows with attention to improving efficiency, throughput, and quality.  Furthermore, you must have strong organizational capacity to plan and manage your projects within the automation engineering department. 

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage your automation and assay development projects from concept to post-implementation support. 
• Analyze workflows, identify bottlenecks, and develop solutions to improve efficiency, throughput, cost, and quality
• Contribute to the innovation of current and new assays workflows, technologies, and processes
• Contribute to the design, development, optimization, and implementation of automated liquid handling processes, systems, and streamlined workflows using DOE methodologies.
• Drive collection of process requirements from cross-functional stakeholders
• Draft development plans, test plans, and associated procedures for the automated workflows.
• Program robotic liquid handling workstations and integrated robotic systems
• Develop instrument integration with a Laboratory Information Management System

You’re an engineer with a proven track record of automating and scaling. You’re eager to participate in the development of high growth, fast-paced company. An interdisciplinary background in molecular biology, lab automation, and programming is required.

The ideal candidate will have prior, demonstrated experience designing, developing, testing, implementing, and supporting automated sample-processing workflows using a requirements-driven approach in a clinical laboratory or other molecular biology-based laboratory settings. This individual will also leverage an understanding of molecular biology and biochemistry to troubleshoot analytical and preparative processes. The successful candidate will apply scientific methods and engineering skills to improve the scalability of Guardant Health’s sample processing workflows.

YOU ALSO HAVE:

• A BS degree in engineering or science, preferably in molecular biology, genetics or biochemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or a closely-related discipline and 8+ years of related experience. An MS with 6+ years of related work experience or a Ph.D. with 4+ years of related work experience will also be considered.
• Experience working in regulated laboratory environments (CLIA, IVD)
• Experience in streamlining workflows and developing automated laboratory processes and instrumentation systems, including collecting and documenting requirements, developing concepts, design, testing/validation, implementing, and training
• Experience with operating and programming liquid handling robotics platforms (Hamilton, TECAN, Beckman, Agilent)
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid isolation, purification, and quantitation, bioanalyzer, DNA/RNA quantitation, qPCR, or next-generation sequencing
• Experience communicating and collaborating with internal and external colleagues and customers from diverse scientific, engineering, operational, and regulatory disciplines
• Experience with statistical data analysis, monitoring data quality, and troubleshooting technical problems
• Experience utilizing a computer programing language (C#, Python, R) is a positive

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Employee may be required to lift routine office supplies up to 20 lbs and use office equipment. Majority of the work is performed in a desk/office environment; however, there may be exposed to high noise levels, fumes, and biohazard material in the laboratory environment. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.

Guardant Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

To learn more about the information collected when you apply for a position at Guardant Health, Inc. and how it is used, please review our PRIVACY NOTICE FOR JOB APPLICANTS.

Please visit our career page at:  http://www.guardanthealth.com/jobs/