Automation Engineer - National Institute for Biofoundry Applications (NIBA)
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Automation Engineer - National Institute for Biofoundry Applications (NIBA)
Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
Job Summary
Provide various automation services in the National Institute for Biofoundry Applications (NIBA) consisting of NSF iBioFoundry and NSF Global Center for Reliable and Scalable Biofoundries at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Lead the efforts to design, develop, standardize, and deploy an automation pipeline for the iBioFoundry towards an integrated end-to-end pipeline named AlphaSynBio for synthetic biology.Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop, modify, and improve automated workflows for various synthetic biology applications at iBioFoundry.
- Generate and maintain documentation of automation protocols, project specifications, project design materials, and other documentation.
- Coordinate with iBioFoundry faculty and team to consult and advise on research projects.
- Collaborate with internal and external software developers to define, develop, and implement the data and logistics management needs of the facility.
- Participate in education, outreach, and workforce development activities such as facility tours, summer schools, certificate programs, developing educational tools and programs, working with industrial partners, and updating website content.
- Represent the facility at conferences and presentations, prepare publications and other written communications as necessary.
- Assist the center leadership team with various duties in ensuring smooth operation of the iBioFoundry.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in biology, computer science, engineering, or related fields of study. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted if accompanied by equivalent experience, depending upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Minimum 4 years research experience in an academic or professional research setting and minimum 1 year laboratory automation experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, engineering, or related fields of study. Four or more years of relevant experience in research setting. Experience in synthetic biology combined with biofoundry and laboratory automation workflow design and development as well as AI/ML.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience with complex analytical instrumentation, automation equipment, or development of automated processes.
- Experience with laboratory automation equipment, especially liquid handers such as Tecan liquid handler and Echo acoustic liquid handler, is preferred.
- Prior experience in automation of biological workflows is highly valued.
- Experience with developing workflows involving various biological workflows such as DNA cloning, protein engineering, and natural product discovery is highly valued.
- Previous experience with programming such as Python is preferred.
- Experience with project or lab management.
- Ability to supervise others, encouraging success of team members.
- Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally with internal and external parties.
- Must be organized, meticulous, self-directed, can handle a variety of tasks in a matrix environment.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative when needed.
- Ability to identify problems and develop solutions.
- Ability to communicate effectively with others.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 7/16/2025. The approved salary range is $60,000 to $85,000 per year. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 25, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jana Lenz at janalenz@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1031137
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu