Automation Engineer - National Institute for Biofoundry Applications (NIBA)

Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

Job Summary

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide biofoundry services to external users such as defining service specifications, scope, and quality standards, designing and implementing reproducible automated workflows for users’ research projects, and implementing cost and resource models for service pricing.
• Develop, modify, and improve automated workflows for various synthetic biology applications at the NSF iBioFoundry and iBioFAB.
• Generate and maintain documentation of automation protocols, project specifications, project design materials, and other documentation.
• Collaborate with internal and external software developers to define, develop, and implement the AI/ML, data, and logistics management needs of the facility.
• Participate in education, outreach, and workforce development activities such as facility tours, summer schools, certificate programs, developing educational tools and programs, working with industrial partners, and updating website content.
• Represent the facility at conferences and presentations, prepare publications and other written communications as necessary.
• Assist the center leadership team with various duties in ensuring smooth operation of the NSF iBioFoundry and iBioFAB.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in a life sciences or biological field, chemistry or chemical engineering, computer science, engineering, or other related STEM fields.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, engineering, or related fields of study. Four or more years of relevant experience in research setting. Experience in synthetic biology combined with biofoundry and laboratory automation workflow design and development as well as AI/ML.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with complex analytical instrumentation, automation equipment, or development of automated processes.
• Experience with laboratory automation equipment, especially liquid handers such as Tecan liquid handler and Echo acoustic liquid handler, is preferred.
• Prior experience in automation of biological workflows is highly valued.
• Experience with developing workflows involving various biological workflows such as DNA cloning, protein engineering, and natural product discovery is highly valued.
• Previous experience with programming such as Python is preferred.
• Experience with project or lab management.
• Ability to supervise others, encouraging success of team members.
• Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally with internal and external parties.
• Must be organized, meticulous, self-directed, can handle a variety of tasks in a matrix environment.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative when needed.
• Ability to identify problems and develop solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 6/18/2025. The budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000 to $85,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements (if necessary), and budget constraints. 

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 12, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jana Lenz at janalenz@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1036104
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu