Automation Engineer, High Throughput Screening - Vilya, Inc.

Vilya is a computational biotechnology company creating a novel class of medicines to precisely target disease biology. We believe computational approaches are an integral, if not foundational, component of drug discovery and development. Our platform is built on ground-breaking research in advanced computational approaches and taps into uncharted chemical space to design new molecular structures not found in nature.

Our molecules open the door to a brand-new class of medicine with enhanced drug-like properties. We are harnessing the power of our platform to go after previously impossible targets in an array of indications. Vilya’s ultimate goal is to solve some of the most challenging unmet medical needs that exist today.

Our Vision: Harness a revolution in technology and biology to better human health

Our Mission: Build an independent, leading biotech company founded on intelligent drug design to cure the incurable 

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to support our macrocycle discovery efforts. This individual will be responsible for operating, maintaining, integrating and improving laboratory instrumentation and processes in collaboration with biology, structural biology, chemistry, compound management, DMPK, informatics and molecular design teams.   

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Set up, operation, QC, and maintenance of instruments and HTS systems 
• Development and execution of HTS screening workflows for various drug targets, including automated HTS workflows, in collaboration with biology and chemistry teams 
• Development and validation of instrument integration and HTS data analysis workflows in collaboration with Informatics
• Design, validation, implementation, and continuous improvement of HTS-based processes and SOPs across established and novel technologies and instrumentation to support screening and drug discovery efforts 
• Work with compound management to support automation for compound delivery 
• Support instrumentation and automation needs across departments 
• Facilitate communication across departments, provide technical support and training to colleagues with diverse backgrounds  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. in mechanical, electrical or chemical engineering, bioengineering, chemistry, biochemistry or relevant discipline with 5+ years of experience implementing and using laboratory automation/HTS systems 
• Hands-on experience in assay development, miniaturization, process development and validation in automated HTS
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, Java, or C# for scripting and integration with laboratory systems. 
• Experience with instrument-specific software such as DART, SAMI EX is a plus.
• Experience with data integration and analysis workflows in collaboration with informatics and data science teams
• Experience in mammalian cell culture and transfection
• Hands-on experience with BioMek i7, PheraStar BMG microplate readers & microplate washers, ECHO 650 acoustic liquid handler, or similar systems, and LIMS/ELN
• Proven experience in working in collaborative cross-functional teams
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Creativity to develop tailored automation solutions to meet Vilya’s needs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a matrix environment are required

VILYA BENEFITS:

• Opportunity to work in a disruptive startup with a talented, experienced team of dedicated individuals
• 401(k) plan with employer matching for contributions
• Stock options
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Open, flexible vacation policy
• Support to attend professional conferences that are meaningful to your career growth
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Commuter benefits
• Salary Range : $125,000 - $164,000