SR AUTOMATION SPECIALIST


Job summary:


BASIC FUNCTION AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:
The Senior AutomationScientist plans, prepares and carries out complex automated programming on avariety of instruments. This can include programming liquid handlinginstruments from manufacturers such as Hamilton, Tecan, or Perkin Elmer. The Sr.Automation Scientist prepares reports and analysis of results as related toproduct/process development improvement. Activities may be focused individualprojects or assignments as a member of a project team. This professional makessolid decisions based on experience, see issues before they arise and can troubleshootproblems with minimum supervision. Strong individual drive is required.


IMPACT:
Successfulperformance of job duties contributes to the success of projects in support ofproduct development activities and ability of the project team to meet assignedgoals.


ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
Develops, plans, and conducts programming and applications maintenance from a variety of biotech instruments. This will include programming liquid handling instruments from manufacturers such as Hamilton, Tecan, or Perkin Elmer. Position will also work with HPLCs, Mass Spectrometers, and other analysis instruments. Performs applications programming for a variety of different labs for different biochemical and biological assays. Reports status of assigned projects through the preparation of detailed reports and documentation that summarize results. Works within established parameters on individual assignments, on project teams for longer-term projects and as a technical leader with other team members. Identifies problems, investigates alternatives, recommends possible courses of action, and implements as appropriate. Maintains knowledge of technological developments that may assist in the completion of an assignment or lead to new products, processes or procedures by reading current literature. Effectively utilizes and applies advanced methods or technologies. Contributes ideas for new product development typically within existing markets. Responsibilities may include working with infectious materials, supporting and complying with the company hazard waste handling practices.Candidate must have at least 3 years of relevant experience with laboratory instrumentation, liquid handlers, robotic instruments, and programming of same.


QUALIFICATIONSREQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform eachessential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below arerepresentative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to performthe essential functions.


EDUCATIONAND/OR EXPERIENCE:


Candidate must have at least 3 years of relevant experience with laboratory instrumentation, liquid handlers, robotic instruments, and programming of same. Requires knowledge and skills normally acquired through the successfulcompletion of a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, BiomechanicalEngineering, Computer Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology orrelated scientific discipline. Experience with PCR, ELISA, Next Generation Sequencing,DNA/RNA extraction, HPLC, Liquid Chromatography, and Mass Spectrometry is helpful.


LANGUAGESKILLS:
Ability toread and interpret documents such as professional journals, operatinginstructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write complete reports andcorrespondence. Ability to speak effectively in one-on-one and small groupsituations.


MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to apply mathematical concepts to problem-solving situations. Abilityto apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution,determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance andcorrelation techniques.


REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnishedin written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involvingseveral variables in a variety of situations. Comprehensive understanding of automationapplications that leads to a quick perception of programming needs.


OTHERKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:


Knowledgeable in the use of common laboratory equipment and safe chemicalhandling. Requires a thorough knowledge of related products and technologiesgained through developmental experience in an academic or industrial setting. These can includeprogramming liquid handling instruments from manufacturers such as Hamilton,Tecan, or Perkin Elmer.


POSITIONSSUPERVISED:
None.


SUPERVISIONRECEIVED:
Works undergeneral supervision, receiving instructions on specific assignment objectives,complex features, and possible solutions. Assistance is furnished on unusualproblems and work is reviewed for application of sound professional judgment.


INTERFACE WITH OTHERS:
INTERNAL: Research, Manufacturing, Business Unit personnel.
EXTERNAL: Customers, Suppliers, Collaborators.


PHYSICALREQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must bemet by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilitiesto perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job,the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feelobjects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms in the operation ofequipment or instruments located in the work environment. The employee isfrequently required to sit and stand; and is occasionally required to walk andstoop. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds andoccasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilitiesrequired by this job include close vision and depth perception.


Working Environment:
The workenvironment characteristics described here are representative of those anemployee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilitiesto perform the essential functions. Job duties are performed in a laboratoryenvironment utilizing standard lab equipment. Some operations include the useof chemicals which require following safe handling procedures. The noise levelin the work environment is usually moderate.


Protective Clothing:
Work performed in designated areas mayrequire the use of appropriate safety precautions and protective equipment.


NOTE: THISPOSITION DESCRIPTION IN NO WAY STATES OR IMPLIES THAT THESE ARE THE ONLY DUTIES/FUNCTIONSTO BE PERFORMED BY THE INCUMBENT. EMPLOYEES WILL BE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ANY OTHER JOB-RELATED INSTRUCTIONSAND TO PERFORM ANY OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES/FUNCTIONS REQUESTED BY THEIRSUPERVISOR.


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Allrequirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodateindividuals with disabilities. Quest Diagnostics is an Equal OpportunityEmployer: Women / Minorities / Veterans / Disabled / Sexual Orientation /Gender Identity or Citizenship.