Sr Automation Engineer, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory Operations at ModernaTX, Inc. in Norwood, Massachusetts

Job Description:

The Role



Moderna is seeking a talented, experienced, and motivated Senior Automation Engineer to join the Clinical Biomarker Laboratory to serve as a technical expert for the automation of biomarker assays. The individual will work with automation engineers from other departments to implement existing automation strategies to optimize instruments and integration platforms in the clinical biomarker laboratory. The candidate will provide support to laboratory scientists by automating manual laboratory processes and improving existing processes using liquid handlers, cell culture incubators and other lab automation tools. The incumbent will also be responsible for providing critical automation support used for high-throughput assay development, qualification/validation of methods, sample management and testing. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for the training of team members to perform automated bioanalytical work and maintain clinical testing continuity to support Moderna's clinical phase studies. The ability to effectively communicate across multi-disciplinary teams and external partners is required. The incumbent will stay aware of the latest technology, should be an outstanding automation scientist, a collaborative team member, and an excellent communicator to support Moderna's portfolio needs. The applicant will report to the Associate Director, Automation Engineer, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory Operations.



Here's What You'll Do

• Develop and optimize new liquid handler protocols for the screening and high-throughput assay platforms, specifically using Hamilton Venus
  
  


• Work with scientist to develop, optimize and implement automated workflows
  
  


• Perform lab automation operations including protocol design, error recovery, point-teaching etc
  
  


• Drives software communication drivers between lab automation systems
  
  


• Deploy integrated lab automation solutions based on dynamic scheduling systems
  
  


• Assist scientists with operation of automation platforms including design, qualification/validation, and implementation of automated bioanalytical methods
  
  


• Track/record problems with the automated systems and assay setups for proper troubleshooting
  
  


• Explore, evaluate, and implement newer hardware and Digital control technologies in automation, to improve on clinical sample analysis such as robotic arm and modular platforms
  
  


• Develop and optimize new liquid handler protocols for the high-throughput assay platforms, specifically using Hamilton automated liquid handling systems
  
  


• Identify digital solutions to integrate robotic and modular platforms solutions
  
  


• Train users on new methods and protocols of system functionalities to automate bioanalytical processes using automated liquid handling and other modular platforms
  
  


• Educate users about lab automation instruments, software and their capabilities
  
  


• Collaborate and coordinate with internal and external groups to identify appropriate solutions to improve bioanalytical testing capacity and efficiency
  
  


• Occasionally the job may require overtime work or weekend shift as needed
  
  


• Additional duties as may be assigned from time to time
  
  

Here's What You'll Need (Minimum Qualifications)

• Requires MSc or B.S. in biology/engineering/biotechnology or related field
  
  


• Minimum 5 years' experience in bioanalytical laboratory and automation solutions
  
  

Here's What You'll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience in Java, C++ and other object-oriented programming languages
  
  


• Experience with LIMS systems or database
  
  


• 4 years of extensive Hamilton liquid handlers servicing and troubleshooting experience strongly preferred.
  
  


• Requires ability to diagnose problems and fix problems with Hamiltons
  
  


• Background in Web Services (SOAP,REST), JMS, J2EE and/or Spring frameworks
  
  


• Must be able to work in a fast-paced multi-tasking environment
  
  


• Must demonstrate an ability to troubleshoot complex problems on automation equipment
  
  


• Experience with Tecan, Hudson, High-Res, Echo, Spinnaker or Inspire™ module is desirable
  
  


• Experience with dynamic scheduling software: Momentum, SmartQC, Cellario, GreenButtonGo, Softlynx, Retisoft,or similar
  
  


• Extensive hands-on experience with high throughput liquid handling system operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance
  
  


• Industry experience focused on lab automation is strongly preferred
  
  


• Proven ability to successfully automate manual lab processes
  
  


• Keen on taking initiative, ability to work independently as well as in team settings, and the ability to execute on strategic plan under minimal supervision
  
  


• Will have an analytical mindset, creative problem-solving skills, and be methodical and organized
  
  


• Experience and skills in creating, modifying, and troubleshooting robotics/automation scripts
  
  


• Exceptional written and oral communication
  
  


• Familiarity with Atlassian tools (e.g., Bitbucket, Jira) is desirable
  
  


• Experience with Scrum/Agile development methodologies
  
  


• Ability to communicate at various levels within the organization as well as with external vendors
  
  


• Be able to travel upon need 5%
  
  


• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.
  
  
  

Moderna provides employees with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental, and vision coverage options
  
  


• Dedicated guided healthcare coordination through Included Health that elevates healthcare planning for every kind of employee, including our LGBTQ+ employees and other underserved communities
  
  


• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses
  
  


• Lifestyle Spending Account to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities
  
  


• Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
  
  


• Family care benefits, including subsidized backup care options and on-demand tutoring
  
  


• Adoption, surrogacy, and family-planning benefits
  
  


• Paid time off, including:
  • Vacation, sick time, and observed Company-wide holidays
  • Paid volunteer time to participate within your community
  • Discretionary winter holiday shut down
  • Paid 4-week sabbatical after 5 years, and every 3 years thereafter
  
  


• Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents
  
  


• Generous 401k match and Financial Planning supports
  
  


• Moderna-paid Life, LTD, and STD insurance, as well as voluntary benefit options
  
  


• Concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests
  
  


• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes including exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment
  
  


• Free parking, subsidized parking, or subsidized commuter passes, depending on location
  
  


• Location-specific perks and extras!
  
  

Notices



Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!


Moderna is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.


Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.


Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We're focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to contribute their best.


Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the Talent Acquisition Partner or contact the Accommodations team at accommodations@modernatx.com. (EEO/AAP Employer)


Moderna requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of their start date and to receive all available booster shots once eligible. This requirement is a condition of employment, and it applies regardless of whether the position is located at a Moderna worksite or is fully remote. If you are unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine due to a disability or serious medical condition, or because it is prohibited as a result of your sincerely held religious beliefs, you will have an opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation.



Moderna is pleased to provide you and your family with a comprehensive and innovative suite of benefits, including:

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental and vision coverage options


• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses


• Lifestyle Spending Account funds to help you engage in personal enrichment and self-care activities


• Family care benefits, including subsidized back-up care options and on-demand tutoring


• Free premium access to fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness classes


• Exclusive preferred pricing on Peloton fitness equipment


• Adoption and family-planning benefits


• Dedicated care coordination support for our LGBTQ+ community


• Generous paid time off, including:
  • Vacation, sick time and holidays
  • Volunteer time to participate within your community
  • Discretionary year-end shutdown
  • Paid sabbatical after 5 years; every 3 years thereafter


• Generous Paid Leave offerings, including 18 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all new parents


• 401k match and Financial Planning tools


• Moderna-paid Life, LTD and STD insurance coverages, as well as voluntary benefit options


• Complimentary concierge service including home services research, travel booking, and entertainment requests


• Free parking or subsidized commuter passes


• Location-specific perks and extras!

About Moderna



Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.


By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.


We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.


As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute and make a meaningful impact.


If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.


Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free and drug-free work environment.


Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!


Moderna is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.


Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.


Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity are critical to the success of our company and our impact on society. We're focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees and believe that by cultivating diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we can provide an environment where every employee is able to contribute their best.


Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. (EEO/AAP Employer)


- Apply Now