Sr Automation Engineer, Clinical Biomarker Laboratory Operations

Moderna Therapeutics - Norwood, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Norwood, MA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

Moderna is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to join the Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, focusing on the automation of biomarker assays. This role involves collaborating with other automation engineers to optimize laboratory processes, providing critical support for high-throughput assay development, and training team members on automated bioanalytical work. The position requires effective communication across multidisciplinary teams and staying updated on the latest technologies in laboratory automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize new liquid handler protocols for screening and high-throughput assay platforms, specifically using Hamilton Venus.
• Work with scientists to develop, optimize, and implement automated workflows.
• Perform lab automation operations including protocol design, error recovery, and point-teaching.
• Drive 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 and record problems with automated systems and assay setups for troubleshooting.
• Explore, evaluate, and implement newer hardware and digital control technologies in automation.
• Train users on new methods and protocols of system functionalities to automate bioanalytical processes.
• Collaborate and coordinate with internal and external groups to improve bioanalytical testing capacity and efficiency.

Requirements

• MSc or B.S. in biology, engineering, biotechnology, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years experience in bioanalytical laboratory and automation solutions.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in Java, C++, and other object-oriented programming languages.
• Experience with LIMS systems or databases.
• 4 years of extensive Hamilton liquid handlers servicing and troubleshooting experience.
• Background in Web Services (SOAP, REST), JMS, J2EE, and/or Spring frameworks.
• 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.
• Familiarity with Atlassian tools (e.g., Bitbucket, Jira) is desirable.
• Experience with Scrum/Agile development methodologies.

Benefits

• Highly competitive and inclusive medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses.
• Lifestyle Spending Account for 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 the community.
• Discretionary winter holiday shutdown.
• Paid 4-week sabbatical after 5 years, and every 3 years thereafter.
• 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.