Senior Automation Engineer

Xilis, Inc. is an innovation-driven biotech company developing its proprietary MicroOrganoSphere (“MOS”) Technology for functional precision oncology. Xilis’ MOS Technology enables rapid and scalable generation of patient tumor models that retain patient-specific tumor biology and tumor microenvironment, representing one of the most translationally-relevant ex vivo technologies for precision oncology drug discovery and development. Located in Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, Xilis is building a functional precision medicine platform that incorporates scaled multi-modal profiling of therapeutic activity and AI/ML-enabled analytics to catalyze functional precision medicine drug discovery, development and diagnostics. Collectively, Xilis aims to harness its MOS Platform to enable development of the most effective therapeutics and guide them to the right patients at the right time.

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing innovative automated solutions to support our dynamic research environment. Your expertise in liquid handling automation, specifically with Hamilton liquid handlers, will be instrumental in enabling rapid experimentation and process optimization. You will collaborate closely with scientists and software engineers to identify automation opportunities, develop flexible methodologies, and integrate automation into our evolving platform.

• Automation Development: Design, develop, and optimize flexible automated workflows for sample preparation, assay execution, and data analysis using Hamilton liquid handlers and other laboratory automation equipment.
• Method Development: Create and validate adaptable Hamilton liquid handling methods to support a wide range of experimental conditions and evolving assay protocols.
• Software Development: Develop custom software applications using C# or Python to control instruments, manage data, and integrate with our existing platform, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability.
• Instrument Integration: Integrate various laboratory instruments, such as high content imagers, flow cytometers, and PCR systems, into automated workflows, ensuring seamless operation and data transfer.
• Process Optimization: Continuously analyze and improve laboratory processes to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance data quality while maintaining experimental flexibility.
• Collaboration: Work closely with scientists, engineers, and other stakeholders to understand evolving research needs and translate them into innovative automation solutions.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in laboratory automation, with a strong focus on liquid handling automation.
• In-depth knowledge of Hamilton liquid handlers and proficiency in Venus software programming.
• Strong programming skills in C# or Python for developing custom software applications.
• Experience with a variety of laboratory instruments and techniques, including high content imaging, flow cytometry, PCR, and cell culture.
• Demonstrated ability to design, develop, and implement flexible automated workflows.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Experience with LIMS, database management (e.g., PostgreSQL), and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS).
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for laboratory automation in the life sciences industry.

If you are a passionate and innovative automation engineer eager to contribute to groundbreaking cancer research through flexible automation solutions, we encourage you to apply.

Xilis was created when its three founders — an engineer, a physician, and a biologist — decided to come together and commercialize their technology to transform cancer care. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. Furthermore, even if your work experience isn't perfectly aligned with what we've described above, if you're excited about what we're building then we want to talk to you!

Xilis offers comprehensive health, vision, dental & retirement plans, and unlimited PTO. We are a remote-friendly team: our headquarters are in Durham, North Carolina, but we have team members across the US (and beyond!).

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