Laboratory Automation Technologist

At Dascena, our mission is to develop and implement clinically proven machine learning algorithms to improve patient outcomes. Our innovations help detect disease, improve the delivery of care, and save lives.

We are seeking a highly motivated and energetic individual who will thrive in a fast-paced environment within our growing team. The Clinical Laboratory Automation Technician will support and optimize the implementation of robotics and automation into the diagnostic testing workflow. The ideal candidate is flexible and possesses strong data interpretation, analysis, and communication skills as this role collaborates with members of the operations, business development, software development, and quality assurance skills teams.

What you'll do:

• Lead, with minimal supervision, the implementation of automation and robotics into the clinical laboratory workflow.
• Troubleshoot processes and perform routine and preventative maintenance on robotics equipment within the clinical laboratory.
• Design and execute controlled experiments to optimize processes to achieve commercial levels of stability, robustness, and performance. 
• Optimize processes to improve throughput, turnaround time, and performance of workflows and robots. 
• Use systematic problem-solving methods to troubleshoot complex issues related to workflow quality, stability, and robustness. Recommend and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Analyze trends in throughput, turnaround time, and performance tied to process workflow; provide guidance on improvements and cost reduction activities
• Participate in identifying new technologies and lead technical execution.
• Work closely with laboratory technologists, research scientists, robotics, software engineering, quality, and business development teams to develop, transfer, and sustain new products into the laboratory.
• Manage vendors on a technical level for development and sustainment needs.
• Occasionally lift and move heavy objects as needed.

What you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, molecular biology, or related field AND three (3) years of experience in clinical laboratory automation OR
• Master’s degree in engineering, molecular biology, or related field AND at least two (2) years of experience in clinical laboratory automation experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience in defining requirements for lab workflows, validation, and verification processes in a clinical laboratory is a plus.
• Working knowledge of CLIA/CAP guidelines.
• Experience with process development, process integration, scale-up and sustainment of high-volume clinical production lines is a plus. 

What you'll bring:

• Excellent interdepartmental communication skills and ability to interact effectively across groups within a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with automated systems and liquid handlers such as Hamilton is preferred. 
• Knowledge of process improvement and stability methods (e.g. Pareto Analysis, Design of Experiment (DOE), Statistical Process Control (SPC)).
• Ability to think innovatively toward solving problems effectively and efficiently.

Other Information:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• To build a diverse workforce, Dascena encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women. Dascena is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.