Senior Software Engineer, Laboratory Automation
Calico Life Sciences · South San Francisco, CA
Who We Are:
Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives. Calico’s highly innovative technology labs, its commitment to curiosity-driven discovery science, and, with academic and industry partners, its vibrant drug-development pipeline, together create an inspiring and exciting place to catalyze and enable medical breakthroughs.
Position Description:
Calico is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Software Engineer with experience in lab automation. This role will be a joint appointment within our Software Engineering and Laboratory Automation teams. The person in this role will have a unique opportunity to build connections between our physical laboratory and data infrastructure systems. They will be responsible for architecting systems for sample tracking, metadata and data collection, and controlling laboratory instruments. Ultimately their work will contribute towards building autonomous, data-driven automation within Calico’s labs.
Creativity, analytical thinking, and the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems while maintaining a positive attitude are critical to success in this position. If you are an enthusiastic team player, detail-oriented, extremely organized, and comfortable working on complex problems, then we’d love to have you on the team.
Position Responsibilities:
- Following software engineering best practices at Calico, develop and maintain python applications and scripts for laboratory automation
- Program complex processes on liquid handling systems, handling all aspects from requirements gathering to hands-on development and testing to process validation and hand-off
- Manage multiple systems in core lab environments: establish best practices, proactively monitor system performance, respond to errors and urgent requests in a timely manner
- Able to define requirements and specifications for internal clients and work with vendors to design and configure systems to meet those needs
- Capable of managing cross-functional project groups (scientists, management, automation engineers, and software engineers) necessary for successfully setting up complex systems and infrastructure
Position Requirements:
- BS/MS in science or engineering discipline, minimum 7 years of relevant experience
- Demonstrated expertise in software development and proficiency with python
- Experience with database design, web development/API design, and/or hardware control
- Familiarity with cloud computing platforms (GCP, AWS)
- Experience with commercial laboratory automation equipment (e.g. Hamilton Vantage, Tecan EVO, Agilent Bravo, or similar liquid handling platforms)
- Experience working in an interdisciplinary life sciences organization with scientific stakeholders
- Must be willing to work onsite five days a week
The estimated base salary range for this role is $211,000 - $220,000. Actual pay will be based on a number of factors including experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for two annual cash bonuses.
