Senior Research Specialist - Laboratory Automation Engineer

Life Sciences Center

NextGen Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases is excited to announce an opening for a new position, Senior Research Specialist - Laboratory Automation Engineer, within the Wan Influenza Systems Biology Laboratory at the University of Missouri. The Wan Laboratory is affiliated with the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering; and Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine. The laboratory is also affiliated with the Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CIEID), Bond Life Sciences Center, and the Institute for Data Science and Informatics at MU.

The Wan Laboratory integrates experimental, computational, and translational approaches to study influenza viruses and emerging infectious diseases, with goals of understanding transmission, improving vaccines and antiviral strategies, and advancing disease prevention and outbreak mitigation efforts. This position will play a central role in the operation, optimization, and strategic expansion of laboratory automation workflows, including Tecan liquid handling systems and related automation platforms, to support high-throughput research and assay development across multiple projects.

In this role, you will regularly:
* Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, and optimize Tecan liquid handling systems and other laboratory automation platforms to support high-throughput research workflows.
* Develop, edit, validate, and optimize automation scripts, methods, and assay protocols for multiple assay platforms and research applications.
* Coordinate automated sample processing, assay scheduling, reagent preparation, and workflow execution across multiple laboratory research projects.
* Assist with implementation and continuous improvement of automated laboratory workflows to enhance reproducibility, scalability, operational efficiency, and data quality.
* Monitor automation performance, identify workflow bottlenecks or technical issues, and implement corrective actions to ensure reliable laboratory operations.
* Maintain organized and accurate SOPs, instrument logs, workflow documentation, calibration records, and quality control records related to automation systems.
* Perform routine instrument calibration, preventive maintenance, quality assurance checks, and performance verification activities for automation platforms and associated laboratory equipment.
* Assist with preprocessing, organization, management, and quality control of automation-generated experimental data and associated metadata.
* Collaborate with investigators, laboratory personnel, and students to translate manual laboratory procedures into scalable and reproducible automated workflows.
* Train and onboard students, research staff, and laboratory personnel on automation workflows, instrument operation, laboratory best practices, and safety procedures.
* Serve as a technical resource for automation-related troubleshooting and operational support for research personnel utilizing automated workflows.
* Assist the Principal Investigator with strategic planning, implementation, and expansion of laboratory automation infrastructure and capabilities supporting current and future research initiatives.
* Ensure laboratory automation activities comply with institutional, local, and federal regulations, laboratory safety requirements, and approved research protocols.
* Participate in additional laboratory operations and research support activities as needed to ensure continuity of research programs and laboratory functions.

The successful candidate will demonstrate sound professional judgment, strong organizational skills, technical adaptability, and the ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced interdisciplinary research environment. This position requires strong attention to detail, initiative, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills. The ideal candidate will possess a collaborative approach to workflow development and training, along with a commitment to building robust, reproducible, and scalable laboratory automation systems. Experience with laboratory automation platforms, automation software, scripting or programming languages (e.g., Python, VBA, or related platforms), assay workflow management, and high-throughput laboratory operations is highly desirable. Experience with Tecan automation systems is preferred. Strong computer, data organization, technical documentation, and scientific data management skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, are required.

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m, with occasional schedule adjustments, including evenings or weekends, as required to support research activities, automation workflows, instrument maintenance, or project deadlines.

Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Bachelor's degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, biotechnology, biology, chemistry, or a related scientific or engineering discipline, and at least two years of relevant experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.

Experience with laboratory automation systems, including liquid handling platforms such as Tecan or related technologies, in highly desrirable. Experience with automation scripting or programming (e.g., Python, VBA, or related platforms), assay workflow development, high-throughput laboratory operations, and scientific data management is highly desirable. Experience working in interdisciplinary academic or biomedical research environments is preferred.

Salary Range: $59,576.00 - $85,176.00 Per Year

Grade: GGS 09E

University Title: Senior Research Specialist

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application, resume, and cover letter

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Want to learn more directly from people that work at the Bond Life Sciences Center? Check out our latest video highlighting the important work and experiences of our team:

https://mizzou.us/WorkatBondLSC

About Us:
The Bond Life Sciences Center at the University of Missouri is a dynamic hub where groundbreaking research meets real-world impact. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, our state-of-the-art facility brings together experts in diverse fields-engineers, cancer biologists, plant scientists, and IT specialists-all working towards a common goal: to save lives, reduce costs, and enhance everyday life for Missourians and people around the globe.

Our Mission:
We are committed to transforming scientific discoveries into actionable solutions. Our innovative research not only addresses pressing challenges in human and animal health, the environment, and agriculture, but it also translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of individuals everywhere. We also strive to share our findings with the public, ensuring that our discoveries resonate far beyond the lab in a language anyone can understand through our blog, Decoding Science, events for the public, social media and more.

Why Join Us?
At the Bond Life Sciences Center, you'll be part of a vibrant community dedicated to making a difference. Our collaborative environment not only supports innovative research but also ensures that our discoveries lead to tangible benefits for society. Work in an award-winning facility designed for creativity and impact and contribute to a mission that truly changes lives.

Join us in our quest to advance science and improve lives, one discovery at a time!

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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