Laboratory Automation Specialist

What we do

Today, materials production accounts for 23% of GHG emissions and shows no sign of slowing down. Cambrium was founded under the belief that biology offers a better way. For material innovation in nature, biology turns to proteins. Over the past 4.3 billion years evolution has shaped proteins with every material property imaginable. From surfactants and hard surfaces, to gels and foams, to coatings and adhesives. We built our platform to speed up biology’s innovation cycle to make the materials the world needs in a timeline that matters. By programming proteins at scale, we create sustainable breakthrough materials for innovators across cosmetics, fashion and packaging.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity. We consider all applications equally regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We strongly encourage individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in tech to apply, and we can help with immigration.

Your role

We are looking for candidates that have gained first experience in automation engineering and are skilled in designing and maintaining molecular biology automation processes. You will be responsible for developing our current automation workflows, have the opportunity to shape our automation platform and help establish best practices for the introduction of new technology and processes within the company. As a Laboratory Automation Specialist at Cambrium, you can expect a diverse range of tasks that bridge the gap between the engineering and R&D teams. One of the most vital aspects of this role is the close collaboration with the R&D team, ensuring a seamless flow of ideas and execution.

What you can expect to do:

• You will expand and optimise our current automation processes, which includes translating lab protocols to automatised workflows.
• You will be responsible for programming liquid handlers, robotic arms and incubators to execute a wide range of molecular biology protocols, from DNA extraction to high throughput transformations and culture of microorganisms
• You will develop methods to test and validate the designed systems and workflows.
• You will enhance the capabilities of our current lab automation by scouting for new equipment and guiding purchasing decisions based on the expected gains and costs of the new technologies.
• You will develop and maintain your code base according to good practices
• You will use your engineering expertise and hands-on mentality to systematically troubleshoot problems with software and hardware in production and integrate new components and parts into our systems.
• You will use CAD tools and 3D printing to design and manufacture parts and components required for developing integrated systems.
• As part of the engineering team you will help to develop our stack of applications designed to help our R&D scientists work as fast and effective as possible

Your profile

Must have

• You have an (in)formal training in an engineering discipline or hands-on experience working with automation equipment and workflows in a molecular biology context.
• You are keen on working in a biological laboratory and excel at improving process efficiency.
• You are a skilled communicator who thrives in an interdisciplinary team.
• You demonstrate self-management skills in planning, prioritising, and executing tasks, and you exercise independent judgment within the scope of your work.
• You are driven by your curiosity and have a desire to learn new things.
• Your creativity helps you to find solutions to complex problems.
• You enjoy getting your hands on the topic and building things. Nice to have:
• You have a foundational understanding of molecular biology and microbiology and are familiar with common workflows in a laboratory
• You have an affinity for data-driven biology, biotechnology and material science
• Experience in programming robotic systems like 6-axis robots and liquid handlers is beneficial.
• You have a solid foundation in object oriented programming languages like Python or C#.
• You are familiar with best practices for developing and maintaining a code base, such as version control, virtual environments, and containerisation methods.
• You have basic experience in rapid prototyping using CAD tools and 3D printing.
• Experience with in the fields of networking and IoT systems is beneficial.

What we offer

In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect the following:

• A lively and collaborative working environment with a focus on knowledge exchange and developing new skills.
• Budget and support for professional development.
• Employee Stock Options.
• Urban Sports Club Membership.
• Lunch Subsidy.
• Berlin Public Transport Pass.
• Flexible working hours in our brand-new office and lab space in Berlin combined with a hybrid work policy.
• Regular team events.
• Passioned lunch discussions.
• Be part of our journey to a future of sustainable materials.