Recruitment for Lab Automation Specialist

The NIH Chemical Genomics Center (NCGC) is a new facility within the National Human Genome Research Institute and is the first in a network of screening centers being developed as part of the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research (see http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/306/5699/1138.pdf). The NCGC will use small molecule screening to develop chemical probes as research tools in the study of molecular processes relevant to physiology and disease. The Center will perform automated high-throughput screening on biological assays submitted by the biomedical research community, carry out chemistry optimization on confirmed hits to produce chemical probes, and disseminate the data via PubChem, a new division of the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

We are seeking a highly qualified automation specialist to join the NCGC to develop, integrate, and maintain laboratory automation systems that implement critical-path workflows for high-throughput processes. In addition, the candidate will evaluate, develop and implement novel microfluidic and assay technologies. The collaborative and fast-paced environment of the NCGC will require self motivated individuals with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The candidate must be hands-on and eager to perform duties in addition to automation projects, such as informatics infrastructure, troubleshooting, and maintenance of instrumentation. The NCGC will be a unique and exciting environment employing technologies on the cutting edge of small molecule screening and chemical genomics.

Requirements

?BS/MS/PhD or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering or an aligned field.
?3+ years experience developing and supporting laboratory automation and instrumentation in an industrial setting.
?Good working knowledge of high-throughput drug discovery processes and the role of laboratory automation in drug discovery.
?Ability to work closely with informatics specialists to ensure that the automated infrastructure is effectively integrated into the broader Informatics environment.
?Must be able to communicate effectively with biologists and chemists. Must understand the science behind their applications well enough to drive troubleshooting and to propose technological solutions.
?Recent hands-on experience constructing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting articulated robotic arms, scheduling systems, and liquid handling systems (e.g. Kalypsys, Tecan, Aurora Discovery, CyBio).
?Experience with computer aided engineering design tools, laboratory instrument control programming (e.g. Visual Basic, C/C++, LabView), and relational databases (e.g. Oracle, SQL/PLSQL.)

Interested applicants should send a resume and three letters of recommendation to [email protected]. Applicants who cannot submit their materials electronically should submit their applications to:

Search Chair
NIH Chemical Genomics Center
50 South Drive Building 50, Room 5345
Bethesda, MD 20892-8004

DHHS/NIH is an equal opportunity employer