Sr. Automation Engineer - San Francisco, CA

[jfiner]

Senior Automation Engineer

Location: San Francisco, CA – Mission Bay
Position type: Full time
Job Code: JF072409

Company
Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. is discovering innovative protein and antibody therapeutics using its world-class discovery platform. We are using this platform to comprehensively screen secreted proteins and receptors using novel cell-based and in vivo screening systems. We are building a strong pipeline that currently includes products in development for cancer and multiple leads in our oncology, metabolic disease, and immunology programs. At FivePrime, we are committed to developing innovative therapeutics, cutting-edge technologies, and pursuing the highest quality science – a commitment that is reflected in our employees. Discover more about FivePrime at www.fiveprime.com.

The Position
We are currently seeking a talented and creative individual to join our Automation Technologies Group which is responsible developing and integrating state-of-the-art automation systems, software applications, and biological technologies to further build on our unique discovery platform. This individual will collaborate with our scientists and engineers and be responsible for evaluating and selecting new technologies and instrumentation, system integration and support, and the design and development of customized instrumentation and software. Responsibilities will include development and support of processes and tools aimed at increasing the efficiency of our research & development organization with applications in high throughput protein production, cell-based and in vivo screening, molecular biology, sample management, cell line development for protein manufacturing, bioanalytical assay development, and in vivo pharmacology. In this central and highly collaborative role within the company, this individual will play an important role in building our technology platforms, bringing in new technologies, and collaborating with our scientists on the discovery of new therapeutics.

Requirements

Education & Experience:
A BS/MS/PhD in an engineering discipline, computer science, or a scientific discipline with at least 6-8 years experience in laboratory automation in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting. The ideal individual will have the ability to bridge between engineering and scientific disciplines, a strong track record of technological innovation, and experience building high-end laboratory automation systems.

Skills:

• Hands-on experience with a large variety of laboratory automation components including articulated robotic arms, liquid handlers, plate readers & washers, incubators, and storage and retrieval systems is required. Extensive experience optimizing the performance, troubleshooting, and maintaining these instruments is required.
• Strong mechanical and software engineering skills are required. Instrumentation development experience is strongly preferred. Electrical engineering skills are a plus.
• This individual must have strong process development capabilities and experience integrating assays, automation hardware and software, and LIMS and data analysis tools into efficient processes and workflows. Experience with system integration, device driver development, motion control optimization, and user interface design are strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with a variety of the following is preferred: C#, VB, .NET, Javascript, LabView, XML, ActiveX technology, SolidWorks. Database design and development skills are a plus.
• The successful candidate will be experienced working with end-users and vendors on developing system requirements, deploying systems, developing iterative system improvements, developing maintenance and testing plans, and providing on-going training and technical support.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, project management skills, collaboration skills, and experimental design skills are required. The successful candidate will be resourceful and creative with a proven ability to troubleshoot and problem solve in innovative ways.

To Apply
Please apply online: https://home.eease.com/recruit/?id=393035. You may also send your cover letter and CV to jobs@fiveprime.com and reference Job Code: JF072409.