Automation Engineer, Protein Therapeutics
Gilead Sciences
Summary
The Protein Therapeutics Department is seeking a laboratory-based Automation Engineer to join the Protein Sciences team. This role will lead the design, implementation, integration and support of scalable laboratory automation solutions that advances Gilead's therapeutic programs in Virology, Inflammation and Oncology. The successful candidate will bring hands-on experience in developing high-throughput automation workflows in biologics discovery processes that include antibody discovery, biologics engineering, protein sciences, and molecular assessment. This role is based in Foster City CA and does not provide relocation.
Job description
Essential duties and job functions
- Scope, design, build and implement laboratory automation workcell solutions by integrating commercially sourced and internally built systems.
- Partner with Protein Therapeutics functional teams to identify automation opportunities and translate laboratory processes into scalable, high-throughput workflows.
- Lead development, optimization, and qualification of automated workflow to improve throughput, data quality, and operational efficiency.
- Develop technical documentation, operating procedures, and training material to ensure effective technology adoption and transfer to the respective teams.
- Provide programming and integration support for automation platforms, laboratory instruments, scheduling software, and laboratory information management systems.
- Lead troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions to resolve process anomalies and maximize system reliability and uptime.
- Partner with IT and Research Informatics teams to streamline structured data capture for analytics and data sciences.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and lead the implementation of new automation capabilities that aligns with departmental strategy.
- Ensure automation activities are in compliance with company policies and record keeping standards.
Basic Qualifications
10+ Years with BS OR 8+ Years with MS OR 2+ Years with PhD/PharmD OR 0+ Years with MD
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years with BS or 8+ years with MS or 5+ years with Ph.D. in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, structural biology, engineering or a related discipline
- 6+ years with Ph.D. and postdoctoral training in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, structural biology, engineering or a related discipline
- Demonstrated experience in designing, building, integrating, and supporting high-throughput laboratory automation workflows.
- Experience in laboratory robotics, liquid-handling platforms, workflow scheduling software, and integrated automation systems.
- Experience translating scientific workflows into automated methods and qualification into routine deployment.
- Familiarity with antibody discovery, biologics engineering, protein expression and purification and developability assessment in an industry setting is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated success in evaluation and implementation of new laboratory technologies and automation platforms.
- Experience in MS SharePoint sites and SmartSheet platform management to support project planning, resource tracking and cross-functional collaboration
- Experience in programming language such as Python, Java, C++ etc is a plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with scientists, vendors, and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
- Must be team-oriented, motivated and results-focused with attention to details and scientific rigor.
Requirements
- 10+ Years with BS OR 8+ Years with MS OR 2+ Years with PhD/PharmD OR 0+ Years with MD
- Demonstrated experience in designing, building, integrating, and supporting high-throughput laboratory automation workflows.
- Experience in laboratory robotics, liquid-handling platforms, workflow scheduling software, and integrated automation systems.
- Experience translating scientific workflows into automated methods and qualification into routine deployment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate with scientists, vendors, and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
- Must be team-oriented, motivated and results-focused with attention to details and scientific rigor.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Annual Bonus
- Stock-Based Long-Term Incentives
Company overview
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a leading American biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Foster City, California, that specializes in researching, developing, and commercializing innovative medicines for life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1987, Gilead has grown into a global healthcare leader with approximately 17,600 employees worldwide. The company's primary therapeutic focus areas include HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), oncology, inflammation, and respiratory diseases. Gilead is renowned for its groundbreaking antiviral therapies, including Sovaldi and Harvoni for hepatitis C, and its comprehensive portfolio of HIV treatments such as Truvada, Atripla, and Biktarvy. The company also developed Veklury (remdesivir) for COVID-19 treatment. Gilead operates as a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ (GILD) and is a component of both the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 100 indices. Through strategic acquisitions like Kite Pharma and Immunomedics, Gilead has expanded into cell therapy and oncology, demonstrating its commitment to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes globally.