Senior Automation Scientist High Throughput Screening

Senior Automation Scientist High Throughput Screening

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent with 1-3 years relevant laboratory experience, or MSc/BSc with 5 or more years’ experience
• Experience providing lab automation support in an in vitro drug discovery group
• Demonstrated expertise in the use of HighRes automated systems including strong familiarity with Cellario scheduling software
• Expertise in a range of routine plate-based instruments including common HTS liquid handlers (Combi, Echo, Tempest, Biomek tip based systems)
• Familiarity and working knowledge of common HTS readers such as the Pherastar, Envision, High-content systems, qRT-PCR instruments, etc.
• Familiarity with in vitro assay technologies (fluorescence, HTRF, AlphaLISA, nanoBRET, SPA, etc.)
• Ability to troubleshoot issues with common lab equipment
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in a highly matrixed environment to ensure alignment and transparency around HTS timelines and needs
• Strong ability to interface with external vendors for support
• Strong attention to detail to ensure robust automation runs to optimize our HTS infrastructure and manage to ambitious timelines while ensuring high-quality screening campaigns
• Proficiency with personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, Excel, PowerPoint, and relevant scientific software
• Specific expertise in the study of cell cycle-related Cyclin Dependent Kinases, including direct assessments of cellular activity, localization, and interaction with their molecular networks
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team

Responsibilities

• Help to build Pfizer’s internal HTS capability in DBP by designing and executing automated workflows to enable HTS including primary, confirmation, counter screen, and selectivity assays in 384-well and 1536-well plate formats, all with minimal supervision
• Integrate various dispensers and readers into our HighRes Bio automation systems
• Teach positions, troubleshoot instrument issues, and create new programs
• Independently design automation protocols based on assay requirements established with assay scientists
• Enable the execution of primary screening campaigns in high-throughput, leveraging plate-based assays and automation (384- and 1536-well formats)
• Enable the rapid adaptation of assays to automated protocols including hit confirmation and downstream follow-up screening
• Program automation systems using Cellario, Biomek, Vworks, Echo, DART, SAMI, etc. for efficient execution of HTS campaigns
• Manage the inventory of automation equipment shared in the DBP group including a variety of dispensers, incubators, plate readers, etc.
• Assist in coordination of instrument maintenance and repairs, planning for replacement when instrumentation becomes obsolete, and creating new methods on online and offline equipment, etc.
• Maintain offline instruments from manufacturers including Biomek, Agilent, Thermo, Revvity, etc.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies into the HTS workflow to ensure that Pfizer stays current in the HTS field
• Liaise effectively with project teams to ensure the timely progression of HTS campaigns and to adjust to changing needs
• Actively participate in the scouting, evaluation and implementation of new instrumentation to enhance workflow efficiencies and/or capabilities
• Manage robotic system scheduling to optimize usage and ensure screening campaigns are conducted in a timely manner

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work flexible hours when needed
• Travel to attend appropriate meetings and conferences