Apply on Employer Site

Breakout Ventures · 13 hours ago

Senior Automation Scientist

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$160K/yr - $190K/yr

Breakout Ventures is focused on building a future powered by science, and they are seeking a Senior Automation Scientist at Parallel Bio. The role involves bridging immunology and robotics to develop automated processes that enhance drug discovery through high-fidelity biological data.

Advanced MaterialsEnergyFinancial ServicesLife ScienceVenture Capital

Responsibilities

Translate manual bench-top organoid protocols into automated SOPs for seeding, culturing, media changes, and complex stimulations

Own the automation of high-dimensional immune assays

Lead the transition of analytical workflows including, flow cytometry staining, multiplexed functional readouts, and single-cell RNA-seq preparation onto automated platforms, ensuring biological integrity is maintained across thousands of samples

Design, implement, and iterate protocols on liquid handling systems; tune pipetting parameters and process steps to preserve cell health and assay integrity

Drive enhancements to automation platforms to improve data accuracy and increase throughput

Validate that the 'automated organoid' is biologically equivalent (or superior) to the manual model, specifically managing variables like shear stress and evaporation

Cultivate relationships with external vendors to provision and customize components for Parallel Bio’s unique organoid needs

Translate bench cell-handling protocols into automation-ready workflows with clear assumptions, constraints, and acceptance criteria

Optimize workflows for throughput, reproducibility, and cell health by tuning parameters (mixing, aspiration/dispense rates, tip types, volumes, incubation timing, plate formats, etc.)

Propose protocol and assay changes that preserve scientific intent while improving automation feasibility (reduce manual judgment steps, standardize inputs, minimize variability)

Validate workflows and troubleshoot failures across hardware, consumables, protocol logic, and environmental factors; run structured experiments to isolate root causes and take corrective actions

Create SOPs, runbooks, and training materials; coach bench scientists on automation-friendly protocol design

Partner with automation/software engineers on the design of our proprietary scheduling system & protocol builder, including deck layouts, scheduling constraints, QC checkpoints, and error recovery strategies

Qualification

ImmunologyLiquid handling automationProtocol developmentCell handlingExperimental rigorProblem-solvingClear communication

Required

A MS/PhD or equivalent experience in Immunology, Bioengineering, or a related field

Possess a rigorous scientific understanding of the human immune system and live cell handling

Experience in a fast-paced environment (Biotech or Startup) where you were responsible for both the high-level design and the day-to-day operation of the robots

Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to manage competing priorities

Strong wet-lab background with demonstrated experience in cell handling

Hands-on experience developing and iterating protocols on liquid handling automation platforms (not just operating), and integrated peripherals

Practical understanding of automation techniques and limitations (pipetting physics, dead volume, calibration, consumables constraints, deck/layout tradeoffs, timing/throughput constraints, common error modes)

Demonstrated ability to translate bench protocols to automation while preserving scientific intent

Strong experimental rigor, documentation habits, and comfort working in iterative build-test-debug cycles

Clear communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with scientists and engineers