Wilson

Compensation Range: $57.67–$67 per hour

Location: Onsite — Toronto (5 days per week)
Contract: 6 months (potential extension)
Language: English required; French an asset

Role Overview

The Automation Specialist manages, develops, and optimizes automated laboratory workflows. This role combines project management, robotics programming, data stewardship, and cross‑functional collaboration to support high‑throughput scientific operations. You will design and maintain automated protocols, enhance efficiency, and translate scientific methods into robust automated processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage and schedule activities within the automation service unit, including intake of automation requests, development timelines, and prioritization of work
• Set up and maintain Kanban boards, Jira tickets, and weekly scrums to communicate progress, delays, and completions
• Independently create robotic protocols in Venus 4+ to operate Hamilton liquid handlers
• Create, update, and maintain SoftMax Pro protocols in a non‑GXP environment, including automated calculations, statistics, and final result summaries
• Program integration software such as Green Button Go or Genera
• Apply knowledge of pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or analytical QC tests (e.g., ELISAs, protein assays)
• Maintain detailed user stories, programming notes, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• Collaborate with technologists, scientists, and leadership to translate technical methods into automated workflows
• Define precise data outputs, manage files, and ensure strong data stewardship

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master of Science or Applied Science preferred (robotics, mechanical engineering, high‑throughput assay development)
• 3+ years of hands‑on laboratory automation experience, with significant expertise in Hamilton systems
• Proven success optimizing resource usage and throughput by developing and scaling automated liquid‑handling systems

Technical Skills

• Expertise in automating complex liquid‑handling workflows using Hamilton systems and platforms such as SoftMax Pro and electronic lab notebooks
• Proficiency in Python and JavaScript for automation scripting
• Strong mechanical aptitude for working with liquid handlers, robotic lab equipment, and integrated instrument workflows
• Familiarity with data pipelines, SQL/NoSQL databases, and system integration for workflow efficiency

Soft Skills

• Strong communicator who confidently presents ideas and breaks down complex problems
• Energetic leader capable of managing a small team of automation specialists
• Analytical thinker with a track record of solving complex issues
• Collaborative team player who works effectively with technologists, scientists, and leadership

Other Requirements

• Location: Onsite in Toronto, 5 days per week
• Language: English required; French is an asset