Scientist, Hamilton and Automation Specialist

Pfizer Pfizer · Pharma · New York, NY

This role focuses on designing, developing, and implementing automation solutions using Hamilton STAR liquid handling platforms for high-throughput screening in vaccine discovery at Pfizer. It involves validating, optimizing, and troubleshooting automated methods, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and managing data and inventories. The role requires hands-on experience with Hamilton STAR systems and programming/scripting for automation.

What you'd actually do

  1. Design, develop, and implement Hamilton STAR methods, translating manual assay workflows into robust, high-throughput, automation-ready solutions for vaccine screening applications.
  2. Validate, optimize, and troubleshoot Hamilton STAR methods to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and scalability in a high‑throughput environment.
  3. Independently collect, analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data, applying sound scientific judgment to support platform and assay development decisions.
  4. Communicate progress, technical risks, mitigation strategies, and development plans to cross‑functional colleagues and senior leadership in a clear and timely manner.
  5. Partner with Digital and IT teams to design and implement databases or portals for sample tracking, inventory management, and data organization.

Skills

Required

  • Hamilton STAR liquid handling platforms
  • method development
  • validation and qualification of robotic methods
  • programming or scripting languages (e.g., Python or R) applied to automation, data handling, or platform development
  • Microsoft Excel, including use of VBA

Nice to have

  • Hamilton STAR liquid class optimization, modification, and verification
  • mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, or molecular biology techniques
  • SharePoint development or sample management tools
  • operating or supporting additional automated laboratory instruments (e.g., QPix, 3730xl DNA Analyzer, Lunatic)
  • LIMS, GeneData, or similar data management platforms

What the JD emphasized

  • Hamilton STAR methods
  • high-throughput environment
  • automated liquid handling systems