Xaira Therapeutics · 6 hours ago
Automation Engineer (Contractor)
South San Francisco, CA
Contract
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
$60/hr - $75/hrXaira Therapeutics is an innovative biotech startup focused on leveraging AI to transform drug discovery and development. As an automation engineer contractor, you will collaborate with biologists and engineers to automate laboratory processes, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of research workflows.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)BiotechnologyHealth CareTherapeutics
Responsibilities
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of biologists, protein engineers, and data scientists to gather and analyze requirements for process automation and optimization
Design, develop, and implement automation solutions for high-throughput omics assays and protein production workflows using liquid handler equipment and other relevant technologies
Optimize existing automated processes to improve efficiency, scalability, and reliability, ensuring high-quality outcomes
Troubleshoot and maintain automated systems and workflows, providing technical support and expertise to ensure continuous operation
Stay abreast of the latest advancements in automation technology and biotech methodologies to propose and integrate innovative solutions into our R&D processes
Document and communicate automation strategies, protocols, and outcomes, contributing to knowledge sharing and best practices within the company
Work closely with the machine learning team to facilitate the integration of automated data collection and analysis in our drug development pipeline
Collaborate with the software engineering team to build the IT infrastructure, including automation data flow in ELN
Assist scientists in operating automation and analytical instruments for data acquisition
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Bioengineering, Engineering, or a related field. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply
Hands-on experience programming and operating liquid handling robots through coursework, internships, research labs, or industry roles. Experience with Hamilton systems and VENUS is a strong plus
Demonstrated ability to write, modify, and troubleshoot automation scripts or protocols. Comfortable working with code and learning new tools quickly
Basic familiarity with molecular biological or chemical assays (PCR, Gel electrophoresis, DNA quantification, microscopy, etc.)
Experience with coding and cloud computing platforms to develop, debug, and document scripts (Python, and C# or Java). Experience with connecting instruments via IOT is a plus
Interest in robotics, automation, or laboratory systems, demonstrated through academic projects, internships, personal projects, or hobbyist work
Interest in growing into more advanced areas of lab automation, robotics, or AI-enabled systems
Exposure to laboratory automation environments in academic, biotech, or pharmaceutical settings
Familiarity with robotic arms, motion control, or ROS is a plus, but not expected for entry-level candidates
Experience with automation scheduling or orchestration software (e.g., Cellario, Momentum, GBG) is a plus
Comfort working across disciplines and communicating with scientists and engineers
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn by doing
Benefits
Experience in operating and building a state-of-the-art automation laboratory
Exposure to robotics and data flow infrastructure management
The opportunity to be part of a passionate team working on groundbreaking drug discovery projects
A dynamic, innovative, and supportive work environment.
Professional growth and development opportunities in a rapidly growing company.
Company
Xaira Therapeutics
Xaira Therapeutics is an integrated biotechnology company driving advances in artificial intelligence.
Founded in 2023
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Xaira Therapeutics 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
2025 (3)
2024 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$1BKey Investors
ARCH Venture Partners,Foresite Capital
2024-04-23Series A· $1B
Leadership Team
M
Marc Tessier-Lavigne
Chief Executive Officer
D
David Baker
Co-Founder
Recent News
MenloVentures
2026-01-05
Company data provided by crunchbase