Automation/Sr. Automation Engineer (Life science experience)

THE COMPANY

Septerna is a biotechnology company with a vision to become the industry-leading G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-focused R&D company with a portfolio of life-changing medicines. The company’s Native Complex™ Platform recapitulates GPCRs with their native structure, function, and dynamics outside of the cellular environment to enable new technologies for industrial-scale drug discovery for the entire GPCR target class for the first time. Septerna has an emerging pipeline of GPCR-targeted small molecule drug discovery programs, along with growth potential to reach many GPCRs that have been undruggable and unexploited to date. Septerna was launched by scientific founders who have made groundbreaking GPCR discoveries and by founding investor Third Rock Ventures. For more information see: www.septerna.com.

Join a multidisciplinary team of colleagues focused on creating revolutionary medicines to address significant needs of patients. Bring your real self to work every day; grow and learn from a talented team of drug hunters, scientists, and business professionals; and contribute your passion, creativity, and energy to our mission. At Septerna we embrace diversity of thought, expertise, and background; we share a fearless pursuit of ground-breaking innovations; and our employees learn from each other and succeed as a team.

THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer/Senior Automations Engineer* to strategically identify and implement automation solutions in support of research at Septerna by taking a hands-on approach to building and maintaining systems and expertly developing processes.

Reporting to the VP, Research Technology, this individual will be responsible for the company’s internal Automation infrastructure and accessing external commercial and academic expertise to bring advances in measurement and automation technology to the company.

This opportunity will necessitate collaboration with world-class scientists across many fields in an exciting, fast-paced company. Working in this startup environment will allow exposure to many facets of conventional and cutting-edge approaches to drug discovery while building connections within the Third Rock community.

Specific Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

· Oversight and support of existing automation infrastructure and implementation of new solutions as the company grows

· Expertly working with scientists to identify where automation could improve robustness and throughput of laboratory processes ranging from protein expression and purification to DEL selections and routine assays

· Establishing and managing equipment service strategy; repairing and upgrading equipment as needed in house or through providers

· Supporting and improving internal compound management workflows working closely with Research Informatics to ensure robust data capture and transfer

· Conceptualizing and writing software for instrument control or to informatically link processes

· Designing and building ad hoc devices and tools

· Supporting business needs through application of robust measurement processes in support of all therapeutic programs

*Title commensurate with experience

Qualifications

This position requires a Bachelors degree in a relevant scientific or engineering field with at least 5 years’ experience developing and automating laboratory processes in Pharma, Biotech or Synthetic Biology.

Requirements

· 5+ years’ experience in a direct Automation Engineering role

· Experience developing/integrating LIMS including testing plans

· Advanced expertise developing, scripting, and validating liquid handling methods for diverse sample types using a variety of instruments

· Prior experience working in small molecule discovery

· Coding experience commensurate with level, e.g., Python/JAVA, C/C++/C#, SQL, R

Established track record implementing custom solutions that were designed in house or through working with contract providers

· Functional understanding of networking and database maintenance and administration

· A mission-driven individual with high energy and strong levels of perseverance; works toward both individual and team goals

· Reputation for rolling up sleeves to do whatever it takes to drive results; not hindered by protocol or process

· Self-motivation and flexibility to manage multiple priorities and adapt workplans quickly as needed in a fast-paced environment

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $116,000 - $165,000. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation, job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training. Septerna's compensation package also includes benefits, stock options, and annual target bonus for full-time positions.

We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Note to Employment Agencies: Please do not forward any agency resumes. The company will not be responsible for any fees related to resumes that are unsolicited.