Principal Genomics Automation Engineer

About CooperSurgical

CooperSurgical is a leading fertility and women's healthcare company dedicated to putting time on the side of women, babies, and families at the healthcare moments that matter most in life. As a division of CooperCompanies, we're driven by a unified purpose to enable patients to experience life's beautiful moments. Guided by our shared values – dedicated, innovative, friendly, partners, and do the right thing – our offerings support patients throughout their lifetimes, from contraception to fertility and birth solutions, to women's and family care, and beyond. We currently offer over 600 clinically relevant medical devices to healthcare providers, including testing and treatment options, as well as an innovative suite of assisted reproductive technology and genomic testing solutions. Learn more at  

Work location: Livingston, NJ (on-site)

Scope:

The Principal Genomics Automation Engineer will lead in the design, development and implementation of automated genomic processing cells and workflows that will support high volume genomic applications. The automated and semi-automated cells will meet the genomic labs' manufacturing goal of consistently producing quality, low-cost products, ensuring optimum laboratory methods, techniques and implementing cost improvement programs. This position will interface with Laboratory Operations, RA/QA, R&D and outside suppliers.  This is an onsite position in New Jersey but may require machine setups in London. Typical automation cells that are being set up are $1M plus in spend.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Principal Genomics Automation Engineer to join our Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team.  This role will lead in the design, development and implementation of automated and semi-automated work cells and workflows.  The ideal candidate will work with internal stakeholders and outside suppliers to create an optimized automation cell that is highly reliable, delivers high quality and cost savings.  The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology, laboratory automation, systems integration and proficiency in relevant software tools and programming languages. This role will also assist occasionally when systems go down to troubleshoot and repair.

• Demonstrated experience in setting up new and/or modifying existing automated genomic cells integrating liquid handling robots, thermos cyclers, plate readers, capping/uncapping of micro vials and mixing.

• Prior experience in Hamilton Star Automation cells a plus.

• Train lab personnel on the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of automated systems.

• Generates protocols, reports for IQ/OQ/PQ and test method validations. This includes driving statistical analysis and sample size methods.

• Identifies and resolves repetitive and major production issues that are affecting department performance, especially when resolutions of such issues require technical solutions.

• Identifies and manages cost improvement programs by implementing efficiency improvements in laboratory processes.  Programs will typically improve laboratory costs by reducing material costs, improving labor performance, reducing labor requirements, reducing scrap and improving machine utilization.

• Generates SOP's, WI's and subsequent manufacturing documentation.

• Troubleshoots and implements quick laboratory manufacturing/equipment  solutions to ensure production runs and supports business continuity.

• Performs additional duties and assignments as directed by management.

Travel: Ability to travel domestically and internationally of up to 20% for short periods of time. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proven track record of implementing automated and semi-automated work cells.

• Full knowledge of creating, executing and documenting validations that are compliant with regulated industries.

• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, VBScript, or C# for instrument control and workflow automation.

• A proven track record of cost reduction and work simplification.

• Strong understanding of genomics workflows and cell biology. 

• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Work Environment:

• Genomic laboratory, suppliers and office setting.

• Running, validating and setting up automation cells in laboratories and suppliers.

• Occasionally lift to 35 Kilograms.

• Mechanical and electrical assembly, programming, testing and trouble shooting in laboratory.

• Prolonged sitting in front of a computer.

Experience:

• 8+ years' experience in genomics/pharma/ medical device industry.

• Experience in leading and driving $500k+ automation projects.

• A proven track record of cost reduction and work simplification.

• Experience with LIMS integration and data tracking systems is highly desirable.

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or related field

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Our Benefits:

As an employee of CooperSurgical, you'll receive an outstanding total compensation plan. As we believe your compensation goes beyond your paycheck, we offer a great compensation package, medical coverage, 401(k), parental leave, fertility benefits, paid time off for vacation, personal, sick and holidays, and multiple other perks and benefits. Please visit us at  to learn more about CooperSurgical and the benefits of becoming a member of our team.

To all agencies: Please, no phone calls or emails to any employee of CooperSurgical about this opening. All resumes submitted by search firms/employment agencies to any employee at CooperSurgical via-email, the internet or in any form and/or method will be deemed the sole property of CooperSurgical, unless such search firms/employment agencies were engaged by CooperSurgical for this position and a valid agreement with CooperSurgical is in place. In the event a candidate who was submitted outside of the CooperSurgical agency engagement process is hired, no fee or payment of any kind will be paid.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

For U.S. locations that require disclosure of compensation, the starting base pay for this role is between $130, $165,000.00 annually. The actual base pay includes many factors and is subject to change and modification in the future. This position may also be eligible for other types of compensation and benefits.