Laboratory Automation Engineer

At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us. If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

Laboratory Automation Engineer 

Laboratory Automation Engineer (On-Site Ankeny, Iowa)

As an Automation Engineer, you will evaluate and recommend novel laboratory automation instruments for deployment in a production environment. You will write methods using various laboratory automation control software, including Tecan EVOware, Beckman, Hamilton, Agilent/Bionex Vworks, Dynamic Devices MethodManager, Green Button GO, Plate Butler, Cellario Scheduler, and others. You will work hands-on with the installation and integration of laboratory automation, ensuring a high level of attention to detail. Collaboration with partners in other functions will be essential to ensure that new instruments and processes transition smoothly into a production environment. Additionally, you will develop and maintain relationships with external vendors to create custom automation solutions and support production. Your contributions will directly impact the development of innovations that improve efficiency and reduce unit costs. You will serve as a point person between Deployment and Production teams, providing instrumental training to production end users. You will also create a census of automation, its current usage, and develop and implement a plan for areas of retirement, growth, or re-deployment. Handling the migration of lab/automation computers, including installing and integrating automation and devices as needed while testing to ensure lab stability, will be part of your responsibilities. Supporting ongoing liquid handler operations through writing/troubleshooting liquid handler scripts, liquid classes, and automation scheduler scripts will be crucial. You will create a system and culture of version control for automation scripts and thorough documentation.

YOUR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate and recommend novel laboratory automation instruments for deploying to a production environment;


• Write methods using various laboratory automation control software including Tecan EVOware, Beckman, Hamilton, Agilent/Bionex Vworks, Dynamic Devices MethodManager, Green Button GO, Plate Butler, Cellario Scheduler, and others;


• Work hands-on with the installation and integration of laboratory automation with a high level of attention to detail;


• Collaborate with partners in other functions to ensure that new instruments and processes transition smoothly into a production environment;


• Collaborate, develop and maintain relationships with external vendors to develop drivers, custom automation solutions, and enable Production support;


• Contribute directly to the development of innovations that improve efficiency and reduce unit cost;


• Serve as a point person between Deployment and Production teams and provide instrument training to production end users;


• Create a census of automation, its current usage, and develop and implement a plan for areas of retirement, growth, or re-deployment;


• Handle the migration of lab/automation computers, including installing, integrating automation and devices as needed while testing to ensure lab stability;


• Support ongoing liquid handler operations through writing/troubleshooting liquid handler scripts, liquid classes, automation scheduler scripts;


• Create a system and culture of version control for automation scripts and thoroughness through documentation.

WHO YOU ARE

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or a related scientific field, OR High School Diploma with seven years’ automation experience AND a technical certification;


• Minimum of two years of experience developing and deploying integrated automation solutions in a high throughput laboratory environment;


• Knowledge of PCR, Sequencing, and other Molecular Biology techniques and skills as well as experience with high throughput automation systems designed for molecular biology or analytical applications;


• Ability to work both independently and collaborate effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers;


• Experience designing, executing, and troubleshooting experiments for liquid handling, workflow complications, and IT integration;


• Self-driven individual motivated to book end projects requiring minimal supervision.

Posting is available until February 20, 2026.

Position located in Ankeny, Iowa

Domestic Relocation may be eligible for this role.

Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $90,400.00 - $135,560.00. Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant).  Other benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc. If selected for this role, the offer may vary based on market data/ranges, an applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.