Sr. Manager, Science Automation - Quest Diagnostics

Under the direction of the Director of Automation, the Senior Manager, Sicence Automation plans, organizes schedules and directs the work of the Automation group in the Molecular Genetics and Oncology department.  Also, has the responsibility for the management of automation projects.   Ensures that goals and objectives of the project(s) are accomplished within prescribed time.

• Develops, plans, conducts and records results from complex experiments within a specific product or technology area. 
• Performs laboratory experiments following defined protocols and company procedures. 
• Program methods, teach labware positions, create liquid classes, and perform testing on laboratory automation (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Agilent etc.)
• Design workflow protocols, code custom scripts, teach positions throughout system, and perform repetitive testing with collaborative robots.
• Collaborate with a development team to build a Laboratory Information Management System to interface with automation instruments.
• Reports status of assigned projects through the preparation of detailed reports and documentation that summarize experiment results. Interprets results of experiments and recommends alternative experiments. 
• Works within established parameters on individual assignments, on project teams for longer-term projects and is a leader for a project team or group. Presents experimental results to supervisor or project team members and contributes ideas to improve team processes.
• Participates in technical decisions affecting product development issues. Identifies problems, investigates alternatives and recommends possible courses of action. Works with team members and other Business Unit personnel (operations, product transfer, project management, and quality departments) to meet department and project objectives. 
• May prepare and/or contribute to articles for publication. Presents information at project meetings and may present findings at scientific meetings or to customers.
• May attend technical conferences or seminars. Maintains knowledge of technological developments that may assist in the completion of an assignment or lead to new products, processes or procedures by reading current literature.
• Effectively utilizes and applies advanced methods or technologies. Contributes ideas for new product development typically within existing markets.
• Collaborate with manufacturer and vendor service representatives for instrument maintenance, repair and installation, which may include travel to other sites.
• Provide training for laboratory personnel in proper equipment operation, preventive maintenance and repair techniques, which may include travel to other sites.
• Attend classes, seminar and specialized training programs to remain current with changes in existing instrumentation and establish proficiency in new technology.
• Collaborate with scientific staff and the technical departments in the evaluation of equipment purchases and validation of new assays on complex analytical instrumentation. 
• Collaborate with laboratory personnel in defining instrument interface requirements. 
• Serve as a technical resource, which may include participation in the operation and preventive maintenance.
• Acts as a liaison with R&D and the Operations team and the department managers to coordinate and accomplish the implementation of the new tests and modifications.
• Works closely with the technical department to address and troubleshoot issues or difficulties associated with instruments during instrument downtime. 
• Coordinate and plan the moves of instrumentations to new designated spaces in collaboration with the laboratory departments.  
• Responsible for the management of projects.   Ensures that goals and objectives of the project(s) are accomplished within prescribed time.
• Perform the scheduling, planning, staffing and monitoring of workflow to meet established goals. 
• Provide staff development through mentoring, performance development and review and corrective counseling. 
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory agency requirements through documentation, audits and corrective action. 
• Perform other tasks as specified by the manager or director.  

Required Work Experience: 

• Minimum of 2-5 years' experience with laboratory automation

Preferred Work Experience: 

• Requires two to five (2-5) years of prior relevant experience often acquired in an academic or industrial environment with a Ph.D., at least 4 years of relevant experience with a Master's degree, or at least 6 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• 3+ years of experience with integrated systems and laboratory automation
• 2+ years of experience with liquid handling instrument script writing, liquid class development, and scheduler software programming.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, C++, Java and C#
• Experience with programming liquid handling instruments from manufacturers such as Hamilton, Tecan, or Perkin Elmer.
• 2 – 3 years of service engineer experience with an instrument vendor is a plus. 
• Research experience in a clinical laboratory environment preferred. 

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms in the operation of equipment or instruments located in the work environment. 
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 
• The employee is frequently required to sit and stand; and is occasionally required to walk and stoop.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and depth perception.
• Job duties are performed in a laboratory environment utilizing standard lab equipment. 
• Some operations include the use of chemicals which require following safe handling procedures. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Work performed in designated areas may require the use of appropriate safety precautions and protective equipment.
• Must be able to work in a biohazard environment and comply with safety policies and procedures outlined in the Environmental Health & Safety Manual. 

Knowledge: 

• Knowledge of lab operations 
• Ability to work with and coordinate vendors and contracts.

Skills: 

• Strong computer skills with programming languages such as Python, C++, Java and C#
• Must be able to work in a fast paced, multi-tasking environment and maintain production and quality standards determined by the department. 

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume. 

Quest Diagnostics is an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to recruit, hire and promote qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by state or local law. Quest Diagnostics observes minimum age requirements established by federal, state and/or local laws, and will ask an applicant for verification when deemed necessary.