Senior Specialist, Laboratory Automation

AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people’s lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across the Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

The Biologics CMC Development team at AbbVie in the Bay Area has a long and rich history of biologics development.  Now located in a new state of the art facility in South San Francisco, the team leverages its comprehensive end-to-end CMC capabilities to work collaboratively through all phases of CMC development with a primary focus on advancing complex biologic therapies, such as bi-specifics and novel modalities, to human clinical studies and eventual licensure.

AbbVie’s Biologics CMC Analytical Research and Development Group in South San Francisco has an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Automation Senior Specialist. 

The Laboratory Automation Senior Specialist role is responsible for spearheading the implementation of automation technical solutions and interventions targeting routine and repetitive lab work and sample & data management/tracking to increase productivity, throughput, and/or consistency of execution of laboratory processes and procedures.  In this role, you will work in partnership with scientists and technical experts to support overall enhancement of lab operations through automation.  You may act as a project leader or project contributor.  You will provide technical support to cross-functional teams at multiple site locations for existing automation routines through troubleshooting and problem solving.  You will be based in the AbbVie site in South San Francisco, CA and may additionally support automation projects at AbbVie sites in Irvine, CA and Chicago, IL.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate closely with laboratory scientists and lab automation subject matter experts to develop and implement new automated workflows that replace manual laboratory workflows resulting in increased throughput, reduced hands-on time, and improved efficiency.
• Develop custom programs for off-the-shelf laboratory automation platforms, including automated liquid handlers, lab robots and in-line Process Analytical Technology (PAT) devices.
• Independently programs, tests, and validates new methods/optimizes existing scripts.
• Integrate lab automation platforms, lab instruments, databases, and electronic laboratory notebook systems to automate seamless transfer and tracking of samples, information, and data between platforms.
• Evaluate and integrate relevant automation advances or technologies for improving, increasing efficiency, or solving problems.
• Understands the business implications of assigned projects and processes and identifies automation solutions compatible with business needs.
• Designs and executes automation experiments to test hypotheses.  Assures experimental quality through sound, independent, experimental design.
• Drives implemented automation solutions through technical or programming troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Resolves complex issues associated with automation projects and automated workflows.
• Maintain laboratory automation instruments and equipment, including liquid handlers and robots.
• Troubleshoot lab automation mechanical and scripting/coding issues.
• Coordinate with external vendors for maintenance and repair of lab automation equipment.
• Responsible for timely project completion. Provides or maintains detailed documentation using suitable IT tools. Communicates updates and activity progress against desired timelines.
• Presents results of projects, both internally and externally.
• May mentor/train less experienced automation specialists and/or provide technical direction and feedback/training to users.
• Develops productive collaborations and communications across functions.
• This position is an onsite, lab-based role. To be successful, candidates must enjoy and thrive in an onsite, highly collaborative lab environment with daily face-to-face cross-functional interactions with scientists.

Requirements:

• BS or MS in technical field such as automation, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, computer programming, engineering or related life sciences with 4+ years (BS) or 1+ years (MS) of automation experience in a laboratory environment; or equivalent related work experience is required.
• History of effective collaboration with bench scientists with differing degrees of automation experience. 
• Experience adapting and/or integrating off-the-shelf solutions to automate laboratory workflows.
• Experience with Hamilton, Agilent, Tecan, and/or Opentron liquid handlers and other automation components is preferred. 
• Strong computer, scripting/coding, and mechanical skills as applicable to laboratory automation platforms, such as liquid handlers, laboratory robotic equipment, and integration of multiple instruments/devices into a seamless workflow.
• Experience with sample management components including SBS plates, tube vials, other labware, barcodes, and freezer management is preferred.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to quickly become proficient in instrument-native scripting/coding platforms.
• Well-developed communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to plan and prioritize time and effort effectively to meet deadlines and achieve deliverables.
• Specific experience with peptide mapping, ELISA, and Process Analytics automation workflows is a plus.
• Must have ability to work collaboratively with a high degree of productivity in a dynamic, fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Travel: Up to 10%

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: 

• The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

• This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. 

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law. 

AbbVie is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving our community and embracing diversity and inclusion.  It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.