Scientist Senior

Location: Thousand Oaks - onsite
Duration: ~3-4 months (through August/September) with possible extension
Schedule: Standard 8 AM - 5 PM, no weekends


Ideally any Bioinformatics experience is desired. This is more important than Hamilton experience.


So desired background and exp
1. Molecular Biology
2. Bioinformatics
3. Automation/Robotics (Hamilton)


The ideal candidate is a hands-on Senior Scientist with strong experience in lab automation/robotics and/or molecular biology, capable of quickly stepping into an onsite role in a fast-paced protein engineering environment. This individual should demonstrate strong troubleshooting and workflow validation skills, along with high accountability, organization, and the ability to work independently. While a PhD is preferred, the manager is equally open to candidates with extensive industry experience who can hit the ground running. Experience with Hamilton scripting, Python, or NGS sequencing is a plus but not required. Given the short-term nature of the assignment, candidates must be comfortable with a contract role and able to work onsite consistently, with flexibility and speed being critical to success.


Job Post: We are seeking a highly motivated scientist. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and approximately 3-5 years of relevant experience, with a strong background in molecular biology and a balanced skill set spanning both wet-lab experimentation and data analysis. Experience with Bioinformatics and laboratory automation and robotics is essential. Familiarity with Hamilton scripting is highly desirable, and Python scripting is preferred but not required. Exposure to machine learning is a plus.


Key Responsibilities
-Plan, conduct, monitor, analyze, and document experiments with limited supervision.
-Follow established experimental designs and protocols to generate robust, reproducible, and reliable data.
-Adapt methods from the scientific literature for lab implementation and modify them as needed.
-Develop and implement new protocols with moderate review for automation integration.
-Interpret data (NGS sequencing data) and communicate findings clearly to the work group.
- Participate in scientific discussions and contribute to problem-solving efforts.
- Develop systems and practices to ensure high-quality data generation and organization.
- Operate, troubleshoot, and optimize standard laboratory equipment and major instruments/techniques.
- Resolve experimental and equipment-related issues effectively.
- Contribute to reports, presentations, publications, regulatory documents, invention disclosures, and/or patent submissions, as needed.
-Exercise sound judgment in determining when to work independently and when to seek input.

Basic Qualifications

PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a related scientific field.
Approximately 3-5 years of relevant experience in industry, academia, or postdoctoral research.
Strong background in molecular biology.
Experience independently conducting and troubleshooting laboratory experiments.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental data effectively.
Preferred Qualifications
Balanced experience in both wet-lab work and data analysis.
Hands-on experience with laboratory automation and robotic platforms.
Experience with Hamilton liquid handler scripting is highly desirable.
Python scripting experience is desirable, but not required.
Familiarity with automation workflows in a research or development environment is strongly preferred.
Exposure to machine learning is a plus.