Job Title: Senor Scientist
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA
Duration: 2+ Months (Possibility of Extension)
 
Position Summary
The ideal candidate is a hands-on Senior Scientist with strong experience in lab automation/robotics and/or molecular biology. The individual should be able to step quickly into an onsite role in a fast-paced protein engineering environment and demonstrate troubleshooting and workflow validation skills, accountability, organization, and independence.
A PhD is preferred, but candidates with extensive industry experience are welcome. Experience with Hamilton scripting, Python, or NGS sequencing is a plus. Candidates must be comfortable with a short-term contract role and consistent onsite work.Job Post
We are seeking a highly motivated scientist. The ideal candidate will have a PhD and approximately 3–5 years of relevant experience with a strong molecular biology background and a balanced skill set in wet-lab experimentation and data analysis. Experience with Bioinformatics and laboratory automation and robotics is essential. Hamilton scripting is highly desirable. Python scripting is preferred but not required. Exposure to machine learning is a plus.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, monitor, analyze, and document experiments with limited supervision
• Follow established experimental designs and protocols
• Adapt methods from scientific literature and modify as needed
• Develop and implement new protocols for automation integration
• Interpret NGS sequencing data and communicate findings
• Participate in scientific discussions and contribute to problem-solving
• Develop systems and practices for high-quality data generation and organization
• Operate, troubleshoot, and optimize lab equipment and instruments
• Resolve experimental and equipment-related issues
• Contribute to reports, presentations, publications, regulatory documents, invention disclosures, and patent submissions
• Exercise judgment on when to work independently and when to seek input

 
Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or related field
• Approximately 3–5 years of relevant industry, academic, or postdoctoral experience
• Strong molecular biology background
• Experience independently conducting and troubleshooting experiments
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate experimental data

 
Preferred Qualifications

• Balanced wet-lab and data analysis experience
• Hands-on laboratory automation and robotics experience
• Hamilton liquid handler scripting experience is highly desirable
• Python scripting experience is desirable but not required
• Familiarity with automation workflows in research or development
• Exposure to machine learning is a plus

 
Additional Posting Details
Enable Skills-Based Hiring

• No

Basic Qualifications (Template)

• Doctorate degree (PhD OR PharmD OR MD) and 2 years of experience
  OR
• Master’s degree and 5 years of experience
  OR
• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of experience

 
Top 3 Must-Have Skill Sets

1. Lab automation and robotics experience
   • Hands-on experience with automated liquid handling systems and robotic workflows
   • Hamilton experience is valuable
2. Strong troubleshooting and independent execution
   • Self-motivated, hands-on scientist able to take ownership and work with minimal supervision
3. Molecular biology expertise
   • Solid molecular biology background for developing, running, and optimizing assays

 
Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Support automation and robotics-based workflows
• Test, validate, and troubleshoot automated processes
• Use scripting tools for workflow execution and reporting
• Run Python-based scripts for project reporting and NGS sequence analysis
• Support lab activities within the high-throughput yeast display workflow

 
Employee Value Proposition

• .

 
Possible Extension

• Yes

 
Red Flags

• Large employment gaps (1–2 years+)
• Lack of hands-on automation/robotics experience
• Weak troubleshooting or workflow validation experience
• Limited Python/reporting/NGS support experience
• Weak molecular biology fundamentals
• Low ownership or motivation
• Not interested in a 6-month temp role
• Poor documentation and reporting habits
• Preference for remote work

 
Interview Process

• 30-minute hiring manager screen
• 30-minute senior manager screen
• Two 30-minute team panels assessing collaboration, communication, and day-to-day fit

 
 
At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws. This position’s starting pay is: $ 43.00/daily.