Who We Are

From research and discovery to post-market clinical development, our WWRD engine involves all bench and clinical research and the associated groups that support those endeavors. Our teams work on developing first-in-class and best-in-class therapeutics that provide meaningful advances to patients who live with genetic diseases.

The Center of Technology (CoTe) is a centralized laboratory built around platform technologies and made available to scientists and physicians across Worldwide Research and Development (WWRD) of BioMarin. The Laboratory Automation Core within the CoTe designs and builds automated solutions for high throughput screening and partners with scientists to develop automated assays to speed discovery. We have Hamilton STAR, Agilent Bravo and Biomek FXP liquid handlers integrated with plate readers, plate sealers, incubators, and/or cell imagers to provide fit-for-purpose drug discovery platforms.

We are searching for a highly motivated Associate Engineer or Engineer I to join the Laboratory Automation Core.  The successful candidate will be interested in learning new techniques and approaches to laboratory automation, pay close attention to detail, have ability to run multiple projects in parallel, and possess good organization skills. The position requires adaptability, creativity, and a capacity for constant innovation in pursuit of excellent science. 

This position offers a unique career opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects that contribute to the entire spectrum of a product lifecycle, from early drug discovery and non-clinical work through all stages of clinical and commercial development. The successful candidate will assist with the design, implementation, and maintenance of automation solutions for high-throughput biology protocols like NGS workflows, iPSC cell culture protocols, and standard in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays.

Responsibilities

• Assist with design, implementation, and maintenance of new lab automation systems.
• Operate robotic platforms to execute biological protocols. Assess the efficiency and quality of operations to prioritize process improvements.
• Execute experiments to validate the functionality and performance of lab automation systems, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements.
• Work with contract research organizations and lab operations teams to service and ensure supply of consumables for automated solutions. Provide technical training and support to laboratory personnel of existing and new automation processes, equipment, and technologies.
• Collaborate with automation vendors and contractors to facilitate their onsite visits.
• Clearly and thoroughly document your work in your electronic notebook (Benchling).

Skills

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• Must have 0-2 years for Associate Engineer or minimum of 2 years for Engineer I in the Biotech/Pharmaceutical Industry with experience working with lab automation equipment (liquid handling, robotic arms etc.).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, scientists, engineers, etc.
• Strong understanding of laboratory processes and workflows, with the ability to translate them into automation requirements.
• Some programming experience in any language (e.g., Python, Java, C++) is a plus.
• Experienced in operating plate-based liquid handlers (e.g., Vantage, Star, Bravo, Lynx, Tempest, Echo) is a plus.

Education

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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related fields. Established field of expertise in molecular biology, protein, chemistry, analytical chemistry, instrumental analysis, proteomics, genomics, or similar.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

In the U.S, the salary range for this position is $ 31 to $ 50 per hour. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity, and may also vary depending on candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience amongst other factors.

In the U.S., the salary range for this position is $ 31 to $ 50 per year, which factors in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A discretionary bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.