Lab Automation Engineer / Scientist
What this job does:
Builds automated lab workflows using robotics and software. Integrates instruments, scripts protocols, validates performance, and improves throughput and reproducibility.
This job is similar to these lab/research tasks:
Translate manual workflows into automated systems; script and validate automated protocols; debug hardware and software integration issues; test reproducibility across runs; document system performance; improve throughput and reduce variability.
Typical starting salary range
$116k to $175k
Salary estimate represented as 25th to 75th percentile. Gathered from recent job postings, Glassdoor.com, and Salary.com
Daily task breakdown
- Design/program and deploy automated workflows (40%)
- Translate manual assays to automated formats and optimize performance (20%)
- Troubleshoot automation systems and manage maintenance/vendor support (15%)
- Data integration and scripting (15%)
- Other: documentation, qualification concepts, training, project management (10%)
Skills you'll use in this job:
Automation workflow design and programming; liquid handling/robotics integration; assay miniaturization and optimization; systematic debugging and maintenance; scripting/data pipelines; documentation and basic qualification concepts; cross-functional project execution
Talk about these PhD skills in your resume and interview:
Emphasize high throughput methods, standardizing protocols, troubleshooting complex workflows, building spreadsheets or scripts for repeatability, and reducing error through process design.
Alternative job titles to search:
Automation Scientist; Laboratory Automation Scientist; Automation Engineer (Lab); Robotics Scientist; Robotics Engineer (Lab Automation); Automation Development Scientist; High-Throughput Screening Automation Scientist; Liquid Handling Automation Specialist; Automation & Controls Scientist; Workflow Automation Engineer
*Note:
-Job titles are inconsistent between companies. Try various keywords.
-PhDs tend to undershoot seniority level. Target higher than you think.
