Senior Automation Engineer

Company Overview:

Beam Therapeutics is committed to establishing the leading, fully integrated platform for precision genetic medicines. To achieve this vision, Beam has assembled a platform that includes a suite of gene editing and delivery technologies and is in the process of building internal manufacturing capabilities. Beam’s suite of gene editing technologies is anchored by base editing, a proprietary technology that is designed to enable precise, predictable and efficient single base changes, at targeted genomic sequences, without making double-stranded breaks in the DNA. This has the potential to enable a wide range of potential therapeutic editing strategies that Beam is using to advance a diversified portfolio of base editing programs. Beam is a values-driven organization committed to its people, cutting-edge science, and a vision of providing life-long cures to patients suffering from serious diseases.

Responsibilities:

• Operate in applied biochemistry, within group dedicated to conceiving and developing novel solutions for fighting disease and damaging, medical conditions;
• Elevating biochemistry research capabilities;
• Advancing laboratory automation platforms;
• Supporting in-vitro and in-vivo efforts regarding development of next-generation, base-editing technologies; progressing novel drug product delivery;
• Improving biochemical delivery systems;
• Exploring discovery science;
• Completing development projects and assignments in biochemistry;
• Adapt bench-top, scientific processes to fully-automated, biotechnological workflows, through validation of liquid handlers and adoption of integrated automation systems;
• Create actionable plans to reduce operational bottlenecks, while increasing throughput and quality of biochemical data resulting from existing biochemical processes;
• Perform biochemical testing, focused on pharmaceutical candidates;
• Create documentation, troubleshoot and provide appropriate support for automation-related issues;
• Engage in knowledge transfer regarding methods developed with biochemistry and biotechnological applications;
• Collaborate cross-functionally on implementation of new technologies, protocols and techniques, all designed to create cutting-edge, biotechnology solutions, and bolster internal, automation infrastructure for discovery science and innovation in biochemistry, biotechnology and related areas;
• Design and execute strategies contributing to novel therapy products in biochemistry and biotechnology; engage in technology transfer exercises regarding therapy product portfolio; generate and optimize method protocols (including through standard-operating procedures);
• Facilitate process development and optimization; work with data, including its analysis, design, display and visualization; analyze experimental results in biochemistry;
• Report internally, sharing data and findings with Beam teams; report development and analysis;
• Participate in internal team meetings and discussions, including by helping generate records used in these; document results and findings in technically-accurate, scientifically-integral and understandable manner;
• Support senior staff at Beam; and
• Stay current on relevant, occupationally-appropriate literature.

 Qualifications:

One way to qualify: Bachelor’s or foreign equivalent in biochemistry, chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, or related field, plus:

• Working in laboratory automation;
• Using liquid handlers;
• Using specific equipment and tools for laboratory automation from Hamilton Vantage, Labcyte/Beckman Echo, HighRes Biosolutions, Precise Robotics, and Tecan Fluent;
• Engaging in high-throughput sample preparation and processing;
• Performing next-generation sequencing; and
• Using laboratory information management systems that specifically must include Benchling.
• 5 years of progressive, post-baccalaureate experience in all of the following areas, shown through appropriate, graduate-level coursework, research or lab work:

Other way to qualify: Alternatively, may qualify with Master’s Degree or foreign equivalent in biochemistry, chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, or related field, plus:

• Working in laboratory automation;
• Using liquid handlers;
• Using specific equipment and tools for laboratory automation from Hamilton Vantage, Labcyte/Beckman Echo, HighRes Biosolutions, Precise Robotics, and Tecan Fluent;
• Engaging in high-throughput sample preparation and processing;
• Performing next-generation sequencing; and
• Using laboratory information management systems that specifically must include Benchling.
• 2 years of experience in all of the following areas, shown through appropriate, graduate-level coursework, research or lab work:

Other Information:

• Permanent, full-time, immediately available, job opportunity;
• Does not require travel (role is substantially laboratory-based, in-house);
• Not permitted to telecommute, i.e., cannot exclusively work remotely from home (for this same reason, meaning the laboratory-based nature of the work and role);
• Must live in the City of Cambridge, MA, or within a reasonable, daily commuting distance thereof (e.g., areas contemplated can include the City of Boston, the larger Greater Boston region, or Massachusetts’ MetroWest, North or South Shore communities);
• This is because Beam headquarters at 238 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, this is the primary worksite for the role long-term; and
• Is not a supervisory capacity over other people; does not manage other personnel; is a hands-on individual contributor; does not have subordinate, direct reports.