Parallel Bio · 1 day ago
Senior Automation Scientist
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$160K/yr - $190K/yrParallel Bio is leveraging the human immune system to unlock safer, more effective drugs. They are seeking an Automation Scientist to bridge the gap between immunology and robotics, ensuring high-fidelity biological data for their AI engine through the development of automated protocols.
BiotechnologyLife SciencePharmaceuticalTherapeutics
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
A MS/PhD or equivalent experience in Immunology, Bioengineering, or a related field
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
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
Company
Parallel Bio
Parallel Bio develops tools that help in the discovery and development of immunotherapies.
Founded in 2021
11-50 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Parallel Bio has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2023 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$25.62MKey Investors
AIX VenturesRefactor
2025-06-11Series A· $21M
2022-12-20Seed· $4.3M
2021-08-30Pre Seed· $0.33M
Leadership Team
Robert DiFazio
Co-Founder & CEO
Juliana Hilliard
Co-Founder & CSO
Recent News
Precedence Research
2025-11-03
Company data provided by crunchbase