Automation Specialists, ExFAB BioFoundry (2 Positions) in the California NanoSystems Institute

The NSF ExFAB BioFoundry ("ExFAB") is user facility dedicated to developing and applying novel automated workflows to learn, prototype, and translate biology from unusual microbes into new biotechnologies. ExFAB's focus is on the microbes that do not conform to standard growth habits and culture conditions or defy our current understanding of biology yet possess traits (e.g. pathways, proteins and structures) that biotechnology should harness. The ExFAB facilities span three campuses: UC Santa Barbara, UC Riverside and Cal Poly Pomona. The UCSB facility features a first of-its-kind anaerobic chamber.

The ExFAB Automation Specialist is responsible for collaborating with ExFAB facility users (including both internal and external academics, as well as industry and national laboratories) in developing and performing research experiments that leverage ExFAB's automated systems - from bioprospecting new functions to realizing microbial synthetic biology. In particular, the Automation Specialist will interface with users and lead all aspects of programming, testing, and optimizing ExFAB's integrated automation platforms, many of which are contained in an anaerobic enclosure. It is expected that substantive scientific scholarly papers and conference presentations regularly result from these collaborations, as well as novel workflows for manipulating microbes and microbial communities. This will further result in published protocols and workflows that can be utilized by the broader microbiology research community. The ExFAB Automation Specialist is expected to represent ExFAB at relevant academic conferences and to identify and seek supplemental extramural funding, as appropriate. This role involves managing platforms and instrumentation for growth, phenotyping, nucleic assay preparation, and microbial transformation.

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or a related field, with 3-5 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree in a relevant field with 1+ year of relevant experience (automation, computation, etc.).

Computation experience (coding, editing existing code)

Experience in developing automation workflows that recapitulate wet-lab experiments (for biology or otherwise)

Employment at the Associate Specialist level may be considered for applicants with a Master's degree or with at least 5 years of experience in Computer Science, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or a related field.

Employment at the Full Specialist level may be considered for applicants with a PhD or with at least 10 years of experience in Computer Science, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or a related field.

Basic knowledge of cell biology and biomolecular characterization techniques

Strong understanding of biology and microbiology, including proteomics, metabolomics, phenotyping and genetics

Demonstrated communication and organization skills to prioritize coordination of multiple assignments/projects/deadlines simultaneously with minimal direction

Evidence of flexibility and initiative when working within a fast-paced, changing environment

Management of multiple projects in both team-oriented collaborations and independent ownership

Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

Excellent written communication skills

Master's or PhD Degree in related field.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

References will be checked after interviews for the top two candidates. We will contact you before we reach out to references.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.