Inari

About the role...

We are seeking a motivated, creative, and detail-oriented Automation Engineer to join our highly innovative and collaborative Science Platform Team at Inari. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in laboratory automation, systems integration, and scaling up cellular and molecular workflows. This individual will play a critical role in designing, deploying, and optimizing automation solutions to enhance Inari’s versatile high-throughput screening capabilities and overall lab efficiency. Responsibilities include supporting automation development at both of Inari's Science locations in Cambridge, MA and Ghent, Belgium, with minimal travel required.

The Automation Engineer will independently and collaboratively lead initiatives to develop automated workflows, integrate laboratory instruments with digital systems, and optimize assay scalability. A key responsibility includes educating and training laboratory personnel to effectively implement and sustain automation initiatives. Success in this role requires creative, innovative, and flexible thinking, coupled with strong technical expertise and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and in multiple locations.

We prioritize creativity, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to work and learn in a dynamic team environment for this role. Beyond our science, we live by our core values: Collaboration, Bold, Open, Integrity, and Diversity. We welcome challenging ideas and thrive on innovation. If you are passionate about laboratory automation and interested in joining a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!

As an Automation Engineer, you will...

• Design, develop, and optimize automated workflows to support high-throughput plant cell-based assays and molecular biology workflows.
• Lead systems integration projects, connecting laboratory equipment with software platforms (e.g., LIMS) to enable seamless data transfer and workflow execution.
• Analyze lab workflows to identify bottlenecks, propose solutions, and implement automation strategies that increase operational efficiency, throughput, and flexibility.
• Program and operate laboratory automation platforms, including liquid handling robots (e.g., Hamilton, Biomek, Lynx) and other high-throughput instrumentation.
• Collaborate with scientists to evaluate assay requirements and translate them into scalable automation solutions tailored to their specific needs.
• Collaborate and work cross-functionally with Inari engineers and data scientists to develop and deploy automation strategies aligned with company initiatives.
• Develop and execute standard operating procedures (SOPs) for automated workflows, ensuring reproducibility and reliability in assay execution.
• Provide technical support, including troubleshooting and maintenance of automation systems, to minimize downtime and optimize instrument performance.
• Research and recommend new automation technologies or capital investments to expand lab capabilities and alleviate critical bottlenecks.
• Educate and train end users on automated methods, ensuring seamless adoption and scalability of workflows.
• Document all automation processes, experiments, and results in a clear, detailed, and organized manner.
• Stay current on industry trends in lab automation and high-throughput screening to ensure Inari remains at the forefront of technological advancements.

You bring...

• A B.S. in engineering (e.g., mechanical, chemical, or related field) with 3+ years of relevant experience, or an M.S. with 1+ years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years of experience in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, C#, Powershell), with a focus on software development for automation, systems integration, and/or data analysis.
• Expertise in programming, operating, and maintaining automated liquid handling platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Lynx, Tecan, Tempest, or similar systems).
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and solve complex mechanical, technical, and scientific issues independently or collaboratively.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to collaborate across disciplines and share technical findings with non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to listen, engage, and challenge stakeholders constructively; author, iterate, and execute on proposals for novel solutions.
• A growth mindset, open to feedback, with enthusiasm for learning, innovation, and tackling complex technical challenges in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team environment.

Bonus qualifications...

• Familiarity with gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR-Cas), NGS, or cell culture techniques.
• Knowledge of plant physiology, molecular biology, and/or agricultural biotechnology.
• Experience integrating automation systems with data management tools, including LIMS or cloud-based solutions such as Benchling.
• Experience integrating multiple automation instruments together (e.g., robotic arms, scheduling software).
• Experience with CAD software (specifically, Fusion 360) and 3D printing.

Inari is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Learn more about us:

About Inari: https://inari.com/about-us/

AgTech Breakthrough AgTech Company of the Year: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/08/21/2933457/0/en/5th-Annual-AgTech-Breakthrough-Awards-Program-Showcases-Standout-Agriculture-and-Food-Technology-Innovation.html

Helping farmers feed the world: https://seedworld.com/faster-breeding-will-help-farmers-feed-the-world/

World Economic Forum Global Innovator: https://inari.com/news/inari-selected-for-world-economic-forums-global-innovators-community

Bloomberg: Inari AgTech Startup: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-12/agtech-startup-inari-nabs-new-funding-at-1-2-billion-valuation

Forbes: Gene editing with CRISPR: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lanabandoim/2021/05/21/gene-editing-seeds-with-crispr-is-transforming-agricultural-biotechnology/?sh=63d255e2163d

Inari at Databricks Data + AI Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJG-r3ob-n0

Inari at Re:Invent: https://youtu.be/FCSAwTiF450?t=2507

Job Applicant Privacy Notice: https://inari.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Job-Applicant-Privacy-Notice.pdf

FOR U.S. CANDIDATES: Please note that we use the resume you submit with your application during our background check process. To ensure an efficient and accurate background verification, we kindly ask that you carefully review and accurately represent your work history, education and other relevant information on your resume. Any discrepancies or inaccuracies found during the background check may impact your candidacy for the position.