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Lab Automation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Voltai

Lab Automation Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

About this Role You'll design, implement, and maintain the automation infrastructure that powers Voltai's hardware validation labs. You'll build systems that automatically test, characterize, and ...

Natera

Senior Lab Automation Engineer

Austin, TX

$103K - $135K/yr

The Senior Lab Automation Engineer is an experienced engineer with expertise in the development and implementation of complex laboratory automation and integrated systems. They can work independently ...

Voltai, Inc

Lab Automation Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

About this Role You'll design, implement, and maintain the automation infrastructure that powers Voltai's hardware validation labs. You'll build systems that automatically test, characterize, and ...

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Lab Automation information

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How much do lab automation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab automation in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lab Automation vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AutomationLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science, engineering, or related field; certifications in automation systems are a plusUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks with automated systems, robotics, and software in labs or manufacturing settingsPerforms manual testing, sample preparation, and data recording in laboratory settings
Industry UsageCommon in biotech, pharmaceutical, and research labs focusing on automationFound across medical, environmental, and industrial laboratories performing routine testing

Lab Automation specialists focus on designing, maintaining, and improving automated laboratory systems, often requiring technical and engineering skills. Laboratory Technicians perform manual testing and sample processing, typically with less emphasis on automation. Both roles are essential in laboratory operations but differ in technical complexity and daily tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in lab automation, and why are they important?

To excel in Lab Automation, you need a strong background in laboratory science, automation technology, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), robotics, and programming languages like Python or VBA is highly advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate, efficient, and scalable laboratory workflows, driving productivity and innovation in scientific research or diagnostics.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in lab automation and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in lab automation roles is integrating new automation technologies with existing laboratory equipment and workflows. This can require close collaboration with scientists, IT staff, and vendors to ensure compatibility and minimize disruptions. Keeping up with rapidly changing technology and troubleshooting complex systems are also frequent aspects of the job. Continuous training, proactive maintenance, and clear communication with cross-functional teams can help address these challenges and support efficient lab operations.

What is lab automation?

Lab automation refers to the use of technology, such as robotics and software, to perform laboratory tasks with minimal human intervention. This approach increases efficiency, improves accuracy, and reduces the risk of human error in tasks like sample preparation, testing, and data analysis. Lab automation is widely used in research, clinical labs, and pharmaceutical development to streamline workflows and handle large volumes of samples. Automation can range from simple liquid handling robots to fully integrated systems that manage entire laboratory processes.
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Lab Automation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Automation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Sr. Scientist - Lab Automation Scientist

Eli Lilly and Company

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We're looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.
The Biologics Automation and High-throughput Technologies Group at the Lilly Biotechnology Center in San Diego is seeking an Associate Lab Automation Scientist to support early-stage discovery and screening of protein therapeutics. Our team is working toward a vision of closed-loop autonomous discovery - where robotic platforms, lab digitalization, and AI-driven orchestration work together to accelerate how medicines are found. Getting there starts with a strong foundation: reliable instrumentation, connected workflows, and clean data flowing from the physical lab into the digital world. You'll play a hands-on role in maintaining and advancing that foundation, while growing alongside a team that is actively building toward the next generation of autonomous laboratory systems. If you're excited about being part of that journey, we want to hear from you.
You will have the opportunity to:
  • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot lab automation equipment used in biotherapeutic discovery, including stand-alone liquid handlers, micro-dispensers, plate readers and washers, protein quantification instruments, colony/plaque pickers, sequencing instruments, and a fleet of diverse fully integrated robotic systems.
  • Work alongside automation engineers on day-to-day instrument and robotic platform upkeep, reliability, operational scripting, and scheduling software.
  • Collaborate with protein discovery, engineering, and protein expression groups at the San Diego site to support and improve automation-driven research workflows.
  • Contribute to the design, implementation, and validation of new automation equipment, integrated robotic workstations, and lab digitalization technologies in partnership with vendors and internal teams.

Basic Qualifications
  • M.S. in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience, or
  • B.S. in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline with a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience
  • Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Additional Skills and Preferences
Liquid Handling & Benchtop Automation
  • Experience with liquid handlers such as Beckman, Hamilton, HighRes
  • Experience with micro-dispensers such as BioTek, Thermo, Formulatrix, or Let's Go Robotics
  • Familiarity with microplate washers, readers, and high-throughput antibody quantification instruments
  • Any exposure to E. coli colony plating/picking systems (e.g. QPix) is a bonus

Integrated Robotic Systems
  • Some experience operating or working alongside integrated automation workstations
  • Any familiarity with scheduling software (Cellario, Green Button Go, Director, SAMI, VWorks, Genera, or similar) is a plus
  • Any background in robotics engineering or systems integration is a bonus

Software & Data Tools
  • Basic scripting or programming experience in Python, Java, C#, or SQL is a plus - curiosity and willingness to learn matters more than expertise
  • Familiarity with data analysis or visualization tools such as JMP, Tableau, Power BI, or Spotfire

Lab Informatics
  • Experience with an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) such as Benchling or LabGuru
  • Any exposure to LIMS platforms or database tools (e.g. PostgreSQL, Genedata) is a plus

General
  • Strong attention to detail and good record-keeping habits
  • A collaborative mindset and comfort working across scientific and engineering teams
  • Eagerness to learn, take ownership, and grow in a fast-moving, technology-driven research environment
  • Background in life sciences, pharmaceutical research, or high-throughput screening environments is beneficial

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$71,250 - $187,000
Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
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About Eli Lilly

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Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876

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