About Karius
Karius is a life science, venture-backed clinical metagenomics company, focused on elevating patient care through microbial insights. We are committed to advancing diagnostic science and technology to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Through the use of genomics and AI, we are driven to improve the diagnostic landscape for infectious diseases. Karius delivers unprecedented diagnostic insight detecting microbial cell-free DNA circulating in the body to assist physicians to make rapid treatment decisions.
Position Summary
As an Automation Engineer I, you will collaborate with scientific leaders in NGS based infectious disease diagnostics to improve patient care and support company growth. You will assist in developing, testing, and optimizing new automated methods with R&D, analyze resulting data, and help release and train Production staff on new or updated methods. You will also support process excellence for our state of the art NGS diagnostic assay in the CLIA production lab by maintaining and troubleshooting CLIA validated automation systems and helping expand capacity by validating new robotic platforms and increasing throughput. The ideal candidate has laboratory experience, is skilled in programming liquid handlers (Hamilton preferred), and is eager to learn and take on new challenges.
*Work shift: Tuesday to Saturday
Why Should You Join Us?
Karius aims to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning. The company’s platform is already delivering unprecedented insights into the microbial landscape, providing clinicians with a comprehensive test capable of identifying more than a thousand pathogens directly from blood, and helping industry accelerate the development of therapeutic solutions. The products Karius offers today are some of the most advanced solutions available to physicians who aim to deliver better care to many otherwise ineffectively treated patients. Our tests are the result of some incredible work done by our scientists, statisticians, engineers, and physicians, all driven by the same mission. You, as part of the Karius team, will be able to see how directly your work has a life-changing impact on people, and at scale.
Reports to: Manager of Automation
Location: Redwood City, CA
Primary Responsibilities
• Upgrade instruments and software when applicable.
• Programming, developing, optimizing, and validating new automated methods.
• Help design and optimize automated workflows for high-throughput processing of clinical samples, library prep, and NGS.
• Assist with scoping out project needs for new automated methods.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure successful project execution and meeting deliverables on time.
• Interface with lab automation suppliers for service visits, installations, and other needs.
• Conduct manufacturing and experimental processes according to established SOPs.
• Document and develop new SOPs for new processes and validation reports for automated processes and contribute to regulatory submissions as needed.
• Support of automated CLIA diagnostic processes.
• Train lab personnel on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated systems and provide technical support as needed.
• Work comfortably in a fast-paced, collaborative, startup environment.
• Staying updated on advancements in automation technologies, genomics, and infectious disease diagnostics to propose and implement innovative solutions.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to automated systems, perform routine maintenance, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards and quality control measures.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.
What’s Fun About the Job?
Karius is operating at the edge of what is now known to be possible in diagnostics. With that comes a wave of new and incredible challenges and opportunities. To deliver on that value, you will be tapping into some of the most advanced technologies, architecting and innovating where the current solutions simply don't suffice. You will get to see how much your work really matters
Travel: No travel required.
Physical Requirements
Subject to extended periods of sitting and/or standing, vision is required to monitor and moderate noise levels. Work is generally performed in an office, lab, or clinical environment.
Position Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or related field.
• 1 to 3 years industry experience.
• 1 to 3 years of Hamilton programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Proven record of critical thinking, attention to detail, good presentation skills, good communication skills, and thorough record-keeping.
• Experience with equipment and processes, including automating molecular biology processes, used in NGS diagnostics (PCR thermocyclers, extraction, library generation, etc.), preferred.
• Experience with advanced analytical tools like JMP, R, and Matlab is preferred.
• Hamilton software training preferred.
Personal Qualifications
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members.
• Highly goal-driven and have demonstrated the ability to effectively prioritize and focus on time-sensitive objectives.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent teamwork and motivation skills are essential.
• Excellent organizational, record-keeping, and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Strong work ethic to generate high-quality work under tight deadlines.
Disclaimer
The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Karius.
Equal Opportunity Employer
At Karius, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and are committed to honor and invest in the full diversity of people, in our hiring, recruiting and development of employees across the Company. All qualified applicants for employment are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] and we will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.