Associate Scientist - Automation Core
The Associate Scientist in the Automation Core at Confidential Client is responsible for operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining a variety of automated laboratory systems to support research and pre-clinical development. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to manage lab schedules, ensure equipment functionality, and contribute to continuous process improvements in a fast-paced, science-driven environment. The position is on-site in Tarrytown, NY, and offers an opportunity to work with cutting-edge automation technologies impacting patient-focused research.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
You will join the Automation Core operations team for the Confidential Client to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot high-throughput laboratory automation systems that support research and pre-clinical development. This is a hands-on role focused on reliable day-to-day operation of integrated automation platforms and excellent service to internal research teams.
- Operate and troubleshoot automated workflows on standalone and integrated systems (examples: Hamilton, Opentrons, HighRes).
- Run and support common lab accessories connected to automation workstations (dispensers, plate readers/washers, ODTCs, etc.).
- Monitor the reservation calendar and collaborate with senior staff to avoid scheduling conflicts.
- Coordinate sample drop-offs and logistics with researchers to keep lab schedules on track.
- Perform vendor-recommended preventive maintenance to keep instruments in peak working condition.
- Maintain lab housekeeping, inventory of consumables, and documentation of runs, incidents, and maintenance.
- Escalate technical or scheduling issues clearly and promptly to senior team members.
Qualifications
- Minimum bachelor’s degree in a life science or related field.
- 0–2 years of industry or relevant internship experience working with laboratory automation systems or in a lab environment.
- Strong organizational and verbal/written communication skills.
- Basic problem-solving skills to diagnose instrument or workflow issues.
- Ability to work independently on defined tasks and small projects with guidance from senior colleagues.
- Positive attitude toward learning new workflows and suggesting improvements to processes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience operating liquid-handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton STAR) and familiarity with integrated automation systems.
- Hands-on knowledge or coursework in molecular biology, flow cytometry, genomic assays, or cell-based assays.
- Experience with Opentrons, HighRes or similar automation controllers and peripheral devices.
- Exposure to lab information systems, reservation calendars, or basic scripting for automation workflows is a plus.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range (annually): $70,300 – $110,100 (listed by the Confidential Client for this role).
- Benefits may include medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and other typical employer-provided programs; final offer and specific benefits depend on role level and location.
- This is a full-time, on-site role. Speak with the recruiter for details on on-site expectations and any reasonable accommodation requests.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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