Lab Automation Support Engineer II - Invitae

Invitae, part of Labcorp, is looking for a Lab Automation Support Engineer to join its team in San Francisco, CA.    This position will provide first-tier troubleshooting support for all hardware and software in our highly-automated diagnostic laboratory. They will support laboratory staff and processes by responding to error alerts, work requests, and offering assistance promptly to ensure lab operations run smoothly. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: troubleshooting automation-related instruments including integrated workcells, investigating downed systems and performing root cause analysis, repairing instruments, and performing post-maintenance performance validation. 

The schedule for this position will be: Sunday - Thursday 3:00PM - 11:30PM Pacific Time. Training will take place Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 5:30PM for the first 90 days.

Address: 1400 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Responsibilities:

• Provide automation support to lab staff and production systems 
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain robotic liquid handling systems and other automation instrumentation  
• Interact with Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Assess work requests from lab staff, create detailed tickets, and escalate to the proper teams as needed  
• Work collaboratively with clinical lab personnel and various functional groups to investigate process failures and find root cause                        
• Identify issues that may adversely affect the quality of test results and report to appropriate representatives to ensure prompt resolution  
• Qualify lab equipment for production use  
• Maintain an inventory of equipment, tools and supplies  
• Assist with the implementation of new automated processes 
• Process documentation and record keeping associated with the above activities  
• Ensure that teammates and lab staff are always informed about the status of support efforts  
• Train new team members and ensure their competency. May coach and mentor junior or new team members, offering guidance to team members who are developing skills  
• Create and revise SOPs and training resources  

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or relatable life science
• 2 year of relevant experience in a high complexity lab environment as an operator, lab technician, lab assistant, or lab equipment support role

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a high sample volume FDA, ISO 13485/15189, GMP, GLP and/or CAP/CLIA certified laboratory strongly preferred  
• Experience operating or maintaining industry standard laboratory equipment hardware and software used in high throughput laboratories, including but not limited to custom integrated workcells, liquid handling (Hamilton STAR/STARlet, Agilent Bravo, Dynamic Devices Lynx), scheduling software (Overlord, GBG), and ancillary equipment (centrifuges, cold storage, etc.) strongly preferred 
• Field Service Engineering experience for relevant manufacturers i.e., Agilent, Hamilton, Dynamic Devices, Tecan, Illumina, Unchained Labs
• Basic programming skills; ability to follow programming logic and understand pseudo-code
• Familiarity with NGS technologies
• Ability to work full-time schedule, with flexibility to support the lab on either an early or evening shift, that may take place on weekends 

Skills and Competencies:

• Lab instrument operation: Intermediate understanding of laboratory instruments/equipment and their functionality

• Lab instrument hardware setup: Assistance with the installation and configuration of laboratory automation hardware
• Documentation: Proficient in documenting procedures, test results, and troubleshooting steps
• Technical troubleshooting support: Ability to identify and resolve technical automation issues independently, and escalate complex issues
• Software and integrated system troubleshooting 
• Analytical thinking: Ability to think critically and logically, ability to work through lab workflows carried out of instruments and assess the state of a run
• Problem-solving: Ability to think creatively and provide innovative solutions to complex problems
• Basic awareness of assays as they relate to equipment requirements (i.e. sample/reagent format, liquid classes, time/temperature sensitivity, material safety and storage conditions, aseptic technique, etc.) 
• Basic experimental design for the purpose of root cause analysis 
• Cross-functional collaboration with automation and assay development teams as well as quality and production 
• Ability to work under pressure, especially with time and resource constraints 
• Ability to communicate using technical language and develop a technical vocabulary 

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced NGS lab with potentially heavy (50+ lbs) equipment 
• Some travel for those who require vendor training (Reno, Boston, Bay Area) 

Pay-range:  $34.68-$44.76/hour

Plus 2nd shift differential

All job offers will be based on a candidate’s skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data. 

Benefits: All job offers will be based on a candidate’s skills and prior relevant experience, applicable degrees/certifications, as well as internal equity and market data. Regular, full-time or part-time employees working 20 or more hours per week are eligible for comprehensive benefits including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD/LTD, 401(K), ESPP, Paid time off (PTO) or Flexible time off (FTO), Commissions, and Company bonus where applicable.  For more detailed information, please click here. 

Labcorp is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Labcorp strives for inclusion and belonging in the workforce and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. We make employment decisions based on the needs of our business and the qualifications and merit of the individual. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), family or parental status, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, personal appearance, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Additionally, all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law. 

We encourage all to apply

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