Senior Automation Specialist

Job description

Are you an Innovative thinker? Is one of your key strengths critical thinking? Are you experienced in developing and implementing automated solutions in the Bioscience environment? As a crucial member of the Laboratory Operations (LabOps) department at Cerba Research Netherlands (CR-NL), you will play a key role in developing and implementing automation strategies to scale-up our capacity for clinical testing. This is instrumental in our path towards Operational Excellence, as automation solutions must improve efficiency and reliability of laboratory processes, increase the high throughput of assays, and decrease the chances of human error. This position offers more than just a job; it is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our mission to combat viral infections and to forge a transformative path for your own career.

Sounds exciting? Join us and be part of an exciting journey that leaves a meaningful mark on the life sciences sector and your professional development!

Your objectives and responsibilities:

Your role as a Senior Automation Specialist holds significant importance within Cerba Research. You will be a key contributor with primary focus on leading the development and implementation of automation activities that will increase the throughput of our assays. This will enable us to assist the demands of our clients at different phases of clinical intervention studies against viral infections. As a valuable member of our Laboratory Operations department, you will report to the Manager Transition Team and collaborate with a dynamic team composed of eight team members that are specialized in transfer and automation of assays.

These will be your key objectives:

Development of automation systems

• Develop automation of plate-based assays (96- and 384-well format), and demonstrate equivalence of results across systems.
• Proposal for acquisition of (new) equipment that is demonstrably better, allowing higher throughput and quality of results.
• Collaborate with software developers for the programming of instrument interfaces and data capture pipelines.
• Work with end users to enable efficient use of laboratory systems.
• Management of automation projects, including planning of resources and budget, and setting timelines and assigning responsible people for each deliverable.

Implementation of automation systems

• Demonstrate equivalence of results across systems e.g. acquired vs existing equipment.
• Support the validation and implementation of new computerized systems that are 21 CFR part 11 compliant, including writing and reviewing validation protocols and reports.
• Advise on the correct application of internal and external regulations for computer system projects.
• Provide day-to-day operational support for automation systems, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate deviation, change control, and/or corrective actions.
• Audit computerized systems at the site and monitor the implementation of corrective and preventive action plans.
• Ensure adequate standards are maintained, communicated, and effectively implemented for all systems and associated computer infrastructure.

If you are a detail-oriented individual with a passion for automation and a strong background in laboratory operations, we would love to hear from you. Join us at CR-NL and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing scientific research through innovative automation solutions.

Your qualifications

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in either virology, engineering, robotics or data science
• > 5 years experience working in a similar position (field application specialist, or system service engineer) that involves the implementation of automation systems in a GCLP regulated environment.

Recognized competences

• Problem solving mindset to tackle arising automation challenges.
• Project management skills with clear and concise communication on progress of activities.
• Lead technical discussions with providers of automation solutions and guide internal stakeholders for implementation of new systems.
• Experience in training technical automation teams.
• Strong verbal and written command of English at an advanced level.
• Good planning and organizational skills
• Familiarity with best practices set by GAMP-5 and 21CFR11/Annex 11 to maintain data integrity.
• Experience in the field of GLP, GCLP, GAMP and ISO17025 is compulsory.

About us

Cerba Research is more than just a place of work; it is an organization of committed individuals united by a passion to advance world health. Serving clients in the global pharmaceutical and biotech industries, we are experts in serological, virological, and molecular approaches and work with a variety of viruses. Our experts are actively involved in international vaccine and antiviral research programs and is renowned for producing high-quality work that is supported by comprehensive virological and immunological research. As an equal opportunity employer, Cerba Research is fully devoted to promoting your professional growth and development. 

By joining us, you will join a diverse, socially active and highly motivated community. Our dynamic workplace emphasizes teamwork, continual learning, and finding fulfillment in your job while providing plenty of opportunity for skill development, participation in a variety of initiatives, and the possibility to take ownership of your role. 

If you are a detail-oriented individual with a passion for automation and a strong background in laboratory operations, we would love to hear from you. Join us at Cerba Research Netherlands and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing scientific research through innovative automation solutions.