Senior Automation Specialist

SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE:

The Senior Automation Specialist (onsite role 5 days a week) is responsible for leading the automation efforts at Exelixis. S/he is responsible for programming automation systems, designing automation workstations, overseeing the maintenance of automated equipment, developing, and optimizing automated processes. S/he supervises the execution of medium (384-well plate) and high throughput (1536-well plate) assays to support hit identification, lead validation, and lead optimization of our small molecule oncology pipeline.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and grow the automation lab by introducing state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to support new assay technologies and to increase throughput

• Design and program laboratory automation systems (standalone instruments and integrated platforms) to execute processes related to high throughput screening, weekly structure activity relationship, and ad-hoc mechanism of action activities.

• Oversee the maintenance of laboratory automation and respond to immediate equipment issues

• Develop and optimize the robustness of the screening process with new software and instrumentation to implement cost-effective workflows

• Develop, optimize and supervise the execution of the automated HTS/ SAR assays to support lead identification/ lead validation projects:, ensure data are archived in Activity Base/Genedata, prepare reports documenting results of HTS campaigns

• Develop, optimize and supervise the completion of automated follow up assays to support lead optimization projects: support mechanism of action studies, work with project teams to advance the project; provide written protocols, reports and any filing documents

• Train laboratory staff in automation and provide troubleshooting for operations to ensure a safe laboratory environment

• Provide guidance in infrastructure development: identify key technology requirements, work with Compound Repository, Informatics, Chemistry to enhance logistics of compound screening/evaluation, database enhancement, and project reporting

• Present data and reports on project status to department head and at company research meetings with guidance from supervisor

• Communicate scientific results to corporate partners and/or external collaborators with guidance from supervisor

• Prepare reports, scientific documents, INDs, NDAs, and research publications with guidance from supervisor

• Maintain laboratory notebook in a complete, consistent, and concise manner in accordance with company intellectual property policies and practices

• Comply with company health and safety policies and general laboratory practices

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• No direct reports but may supervise, train, and provide work direction and problem-solving assistance for both full-time and temporary staff

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Education/Experience:

• BS in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology or a related discipline, and a minimum of seven years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience in HTS function; or,

• MS in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology or a related discipline, and a minimum of five years of pharmaceutical/biotech industry experience in HTS function; or,

• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience/The Ideal for Successful Entry into Job:

• Ability to establish an HTS lab and implement and manage automation workstations

• Significant expertise in programming automation systems (Cellario, Biomek, Tecan, etc.)

• Significant experience with automation used in assay development for SAR and HTS applications, conducting screening campaigns, lead validation, lead optimization

• Experience in a variety of enzymatic and cell-based assays in oncology is a plus

Knowledge/Skills:

• Thorough knowledge in programming automation including HRB/ Cellario, Plate Access System, the Biomeki7, the Tecan Fluent, etc.

• Significant understanding of HTS assay development and execution in biochemistry, enzymology, and cell biology

• General ability to set goals and timelines with the understanding of priority and impact on program, department, and organization

• Working knowledge to apply scientific and technical principles, theories, and concepts

• Significant verbal and scientific writing skills, with experience preparing SOPs, protocols, etc.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals

• Respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business/scientific communities

JOB COMPLEXITY:

• Work on extremely complex problems where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible variables.

• Exercise independent judgment in developing methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.

• Use professional concepts to contribute to the development of the company’s concepts and principles and to achieve objectives in creative and effective ways.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Environment: primarily working in laboratories or in the office

• Will work with biohazardous and chemical materials Travel required– less than 5%

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