About the PyLabRobot Development category

This board is to discuss general PyLabRobot development.

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Hi there! My name is Michael and I’m a developer.
I’ve opened a couple of small PRs. I don’t have access to a liquid handling robot, but really want to learn more about these machines and how they work, which is why I would love to contribute.
If there is development work that can be picked up, I’m happy to do so. I saw for example that the nano pipettor commands are still empty for STAR are still empty. I’d be happy to help out with adding a lot of typing if you like, that would be a great way to get familiar with the code.

If you have something else in mind, I’d be happy to discuss.

Hi, thanks for your contributions so far, I’m excited to hear you are interested in continuing to contribute!

The nano pipettor commands are a little difficult because we are not in close contact with anybody who uses them, as far as I know.

Since you mentioned you do not have access to a robot, I think the simulator may be the most rewarding piece to work on. Since you mentioned that you want to get more familiar with the code, I think a good feature to add there is the ability to move plates. Adding this touches on nearly all layers of PLR, and it would be incredibly useful to have this functionality in the simulator. What do you think?

Also, how familiar are you with ReactJS?

Awesome, thanks for getting back to me.
I’d be happy to get the plates to be able to move.
I’m familiar with React, I’m by no means an expert but I’ve done some debugging and understand how hooks work. If it’s ok with you, I’m confident I can make things work, and try to find out about some best practices while doing so.

I have some time this Sunday to take a look and dig in! I imagine I will have some questions :slight_smile: I’ll make a ticket on GitHub and get started!

@rickwierenga I just wanted to pop by and say that I’m sorry I haven’t managed to put anything up yet. Things have turned really busy in my personal life and don’t have a lot of free time. I’m still planning on tackling this, just need to find a week where I have some time to do so.

All good, there is no rush. Please let me know if I can be of any help.

Hello Michael,

I have one role Lab Automation Engineer in St Louis MO let me know if you are interested in this role?

This is a fully onsite role in St. Louis, MO

Monday - Friday; business hours

Summary:

  • Join the Analytical R&D laboratory automation team to support the development and implementation of automated protocols for vaccines, antibodies, and protein products.
  • Responsibilities include collaborating with scientists to assess and automate manual laboratory processes, developing and optimizing laboratory automation protocols, and integrating various analytical instruments with robotics platforms.
  • Candidates will work within a defined scope and contribute to the advancement of automated laboratory workflows in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, implement, and troubleshoot automated laboratory workflows utilizing robotics platforms and integrated instruments
  • Configure and optimize automation systems to align with experimental objectives and data management systems.
  • Integrate and connect various analytical instruments with laboratory automation platforms.
  • Assess current manual laboratory processes, identify opportunities for automation, and collaborate with scientific staff to convert manual protocols into automated workflows.
  • Support lab automation needs and provides technical assistance to end users
  • Document procedures and create best practices

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a related field (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical, Computer Science, etc.)
  • A minimum of 1+ years of experience in a similar role with Biopharma preferred
  • Programming skills (Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, or similar languages)
  • Experience using and troubleshooting lab automation equipment (liquid handlers, plate readers, washers, dispensers, robotic systems, etc.)
  • Experience with utilizing a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
  • Proficiency in using personal computers for word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, and scientific software
  • Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Strong background in experimental design, critical thinking skills, and interpretation
  • Be able to work independently

Organizational relationships:

  • Various Analytical Research Development (ARD) Teams (St. Louis, Andover and Bothell)

Technical Skills Requirements

  • Experience using and troubleshooting lab automation equipment (liquid handlers, plate readers, washers, dispensers, robotic systems, etc.)
  • Experience with utilizing a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
  • Proficiency in using personal computers for word processing, Excel, PowerPoint, and scientific software
  • Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
  • Strong background in experimental design, critical thinking skills, and interpretation
  • Be able to work independently

Physical position requirements:

  • Periodically lifting of automation consumables, Pipetting, Setting a up deck layout inside liquid handler robot, sitting, and standing. (under 50lbs.)

Hard Skills:

  • Automation Equipment Experience (programming)
  • Lab Science’s Knowledge (deconstruct a SOP to build into the program
  • Thumb Program capabilities.

Soft Skills:

  • Communication (both verbal/written and listening)
  • Team Player (interact with multiple teams)
  • Multi-task/Prioritize