Job Description The Lead Discovery and Optimization group within Therapeutics Discovery Sciences in San Diego discovers and advances innovative therapeutics for human disease, with an emphasis on emerging modalities such as targeted protein degradation and induced proximity. We are seeking a highly motivated and scientifically curious Associate Automation Scientist to operate, maintain, and expand laboratory automation capabilities that enable medium- and high-throughput screening, compound profiling, and structure-activity relationship studies. The successful candidate will combine hands-on experience with biochemical and cell-based assays, automation workflow development, and instrument troubleshooting to deliver reliable, decision-enabling data. This role will work closely with assay scientists, automation engineers, informatics partners, facilities and IT teams, and external vendors to ensure safe, robust, scalable, and well-documented operations. Key Responsibilities

• Independently execute medium- and high-throughput biochemical and cellular assays in 384- and 1536-well formats using integrated automation platforms and stand-alone instruments to support screening, compound profiling, and structure-activity relationship studies.
• Perform mammalian cell culture and cell-based assay workflows, including cell seeding, reagent addition, plate washing, incubation, detection, and quality-control assessment.
• Translate assay procedures into automated workflows; configure and test scheduling methods; conduct software simulations and dry runs; and optimize timing, throughput, plate handling, and resource use.
• Perform routine QC for liquid handlers within LDO group. Operate, monitor, and support integrated and stand-alone laboratory automation equipment, including liquid handlers, dispensers, washers, incubators, robotic plate-handling systems, and multimode plate readers.
• Serve as a first-line technical resource for instrument and workflow issues by diagnosing failures, restoring routine operation when appropriate, documenting corrective actions, and escalating to automation engineering, IT, facilities, or vendors as needed.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, service visits, instrument moves, decontamination, and related shipping or vendor documentation in accordance with site procedures.
• Partner with assay scientists to plan experiments, review plate maps and run parameters, analyze data and quality metrics, interpret results, and recommend practical changes that improve assay robustness and reproducibility.
• Support assay-data workflows and laboratory informatics by testing and validating analysis protocols, documenting requirements, and coordinating issue resolution with internal informatics partners.
• Apply scientific literature, internal best practices, and emerging automation technologies to improve assay quality, platform productivity, operational resilience, and experimental rigor.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records in laboratory notebooks, data systems, equipment logs, and issue trackers.
• Author and maintain protocols, standard operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, technical reports, and data summaries; train scientists and new users to support knowledge transfer and business continuity.
• Communicate technical status, risks, results, and recommendations clearly through written updates, presentations, and multidisciplinary team discussions. Minimum Qualifications
• B.S. with 2+ years of relevant experience in automation, engineering, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related scientific discipline; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and microplate-based biochemical or cellular assays.
• Experience operating laboratory automation equipment such as liquid handlers, bulk dispensers, plate washers, incubators, robotic plate handlers, and multimode plate readers.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and automated workflows systematically, document findings, and coordinate resolution with technical partners.
• Familiarity with automation scheduling software and integrated workflow concepts; experience with HighRes Biosolutions Cellario or Thermo Fisher Momentum is preferred.
• Experience with medium- or high-throughput screening in 384- or 1536-well formats is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of assay quality metrics, plate-map design, data review, and high-volume assay-data analysis; experience with Dotmatics or similar laboratory informatics systems is a plus.
• Experience writing SOPs, protocols, equipment logs, or troubleshooting documentation and training other users.
• Experience with targeted protein degradation, induced proximity, or related drug-discovery assays is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and time-management skills, with strong attention to safety, detail, data integrity, and operational quality.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and communicate effectively with scientists, engineers, informatics teams, facilities, IT, and external vendors.

Pay:

$34.00 - $41.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person