The Role We are hiring an Automation Scientist who uniquely bridges the gap between high-level immunology and advanced robotics. At Parallel Bio, automation is not just a tool for efficiency; it is the essential delivery mechanism for our science. We need an automation scientist who understands that a T-cell behaves differently in a 384-well plate than in a vial, and who has the technical skill to develop protocols that handle that complexity.

This is a foundational, hands-on role where you will be expected to be a technically-creative builder, fluent in the biological nuances of primary human cells and the mechanical "stack" of automation. Reporting to the Director of Product Management, Automation , you will ensure our hardware produces the high-fidelity biological data required to power our AI engine.

Areas of Responsibility

• Scientific Translation: You will translate manual bench-top organoid protocols into automated SOPs for seeding, culturing, media changes, and complex stimulations.
• Automated Analytics: Own the automation of high-dimensional immune assays. You will lead the transition of analytical workflows including, flow cytometry staining, multiplexed functional readouts, and single-cell RNA-seq preparation onto automated platforms, ensuring biological integrity is maintained across thousands of samples.
• Automated Process Optimization: Design, implement, and iterate protocols on liquid handling systems; tune pipetting parameters and process steps to preserve cell health and assay integrity.
• Validation & Biological Fidelity: Drive enhancements to automation platforms to improve data accuracy and increase throughput. You will be responsible for validating that the "automated organoid" is biologically equivalent (or superior) to the manual model, specifically managing variables like shear stress and evaporation.
• Vendor & Infrastructure Management: Cultivate relationships with external vendors to provision and customize components for Parallel Bio’s unique organoid needs.

What You’ll Do

• Translate bench cell-handling protocols into automation-ready workflows with clear assumptions, constraints, and acceptance criteria.
• Design, implement, and iterate automated methods on liquid handling platforms.
• Optimize workflows for throughput, reproducibility, and cell health by tuning parameters (mixing, aspiration/dispense rates, tip types, volumes, incubation timing, plate formats, etc.).
• Apply best practices in cell handling to maintain consistency (viability, shear sensitivity, temperature/time constraints, gentle mixing, clumping mitigation).
• Propose protocol and assay changes that preserve scientific intent while improving automation feasibility (reduce manual judgment steps, standardize inputs, minimize variability).
• Validate workflows and troubleshoot failures across hardware, consumables, protocol logic, and environmental factors; run structured experiments to isolate root causes and take corrective actions.
• Create SOPs, runbooks, and training materials; coach bench scientists on automation-friendly protocol design.
• Partner with automation/software engineers on the design of our proprietary scheduling system & protocol builder, including deck layouts, scheduling constraints, QC checkpoints, and error recovery strategies.

What We’re Looking For

• Educational Foundation: A MS/PhD or equivalent experience in Immunology, Bioengineering, or a related field. Most importantly, you must possess a rigorous scientific understanding of the human immune system and live cell handling.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment (Biotech or Startup) where you were responsible for both the high-level design and the day-to-day operation of the robots.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. You are a builder who thrives on creating systems where none exist.
• Strong wet-lab background with demonstrated experience in cell handling
• Hands-on experience developing and iterating protocols on liquid handling automation platforms (not just operating), and integrated peripherals.
• Practical understanding of automation techniques and limitations (pipetting physics, dead volume, calibration, consumables constraints, deck/layout tradeoffs, timing/throughput constraints, common error modes)
• Demonstrated ability to translate bench protocols to automation while preserving scientific intent
• Strong experimental rigor, documentation habits, and comfort working in iterative build-test-debug cycles
• Clear communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with scientists and engineers

Parallel Bio is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Compensation Range: $160K - $190K