Compound Management, Liquid Handling Automation Operator

Internal Job Title:  Senior Scientist I

Position Location: Cambridge, MA, onsite

About the role:

Novartis BioMedical Research is seeking a candidate for a full-time role in the Cambridge Compound Management team, focusing on sample prep and logistics to support our research platform. The role involves managing chemical compounds using automated systems including liquid handlers, preparing stock solutions, archiving materials, executing sample requests, developing processing protocols to accommodate scientific needs, coordinating global sample distribution, and maintaining thorough records and reports.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working alongside colleagues in the Sample Management team to execute various tasks. These tasks encompass fulfilling sample plating requests using an integrated Tecan Liquid Handler, large scale automation platforms (HighRes Biosolutions, Azenta), robotics (ABB FlexPicker, EPSOM, Denso) as well as other plating/sorting modules i.e.. Felix, BioMicroLab XL20, etc. 
• Overseeing sample logistics—of both powdered and liquid samples transferring both to or from internal and external sources, as well as organizing the placement of sample containers into various storage areas. It's crucial to ensure that all agreed-upon service levels are met consistently and to collaborate with scientific personnel to fulfill their needs. 
• Establish, monitor and maintain a stable and productive automation environment through QC and preventative maintenance, equipment calibration, troubleshoot, management of reagents and consumable inventories. 
• Work effectively with multi-disciplinary groups and individuals to implement solutions that reflect operational efficiencies in terms of throughput, delivery, costs, as well as health, safety and environmental considerations.  
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to multitask.  
• Must be able to work independently and in team situations.  

Essential Qualifications: 

• BS or MS in chemistry, biology, bioengineering, or a related life-science/engineering discipline. Must be adept at understanding the properties of small molecular compounds, including their chemical structure, solubility, and responses to external conditions, alongside knowledge of hazardous materials.  
• Requires 4+ years of experience in operating and maintaining medium to large-scale automated liquid handling systems, with the ability to write advance scripts on these systems.  Familiarity with Tecan, BioMicroLab, SPT Labtech, Agilent, Labcyte Echo, CyBio Felix, and Azenta platforms.  
• The candidate should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of compound management operations, which includes inventory management, solution preparation, quality control, and logistics handling.  
• Strong organizational skills, along with proficient written and verbal communication abilities, are essential for effective interaction with scientific staff, customers, key stakeholders, and vendors.  The candidate should possess a keen interest and capability to learn how to use other specialized automated systems within our labs.
• Proficiency in managing lab robotics and efficiently troubleshooting technical issues is critical, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Experience collaborating with engineers and scientists to develop new automation platforms is advantageous.

Desirable Qualifications: 

• Experience designing, building and deploying automated laboratory workflows in life sciences or clinical laboratories. Project management experience is a plus.
• Basic understanding of C# or Visual Basic

Why Novartis: Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives and our vision is to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world. How can we achieve this? With our people. It is our associates that drive us each day to reach our ambitions. Be a part of this mission and join us! Learn more here: https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

You’ll receive: You can find everything you need to know about our benefits and rewards in the Novartis Life Handbook: https://www.novartis.com/careers/benefits-rewards

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion / EEO: The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers and take pride in maintaining a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to building diverse teams, representative of the patients and communities we serve, and we strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $92,800 to $139,200/year; however, while salary ranges are effective from 1/1/24 through 12/31/24, fluctuations in the job market may necessitate adjustments to pay ranges during this period. Further, final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Join our Novartis Network: If this role is not suitable to your experience or career goals but you wish to stay connected to hear more about Novartis and our career opportunities, join the Novartis Network here: https://talentnetwork.novartis.com/network