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RNA Automation Specialist (Biology Focus)

Location: Shanghai

Job Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated RNA Biology Automation specialist to design, optimize, and operate cutting-edge automation platforms to enable novel high-throughput RNA therapeutics research workflows. The individual hired into this role will be a mission-critical bridge between wet-lab biology and automation engineering— developing scalable, accurate, and efficient systems for RNA synthesis, purification, quality control, and functional assays.

The ideal candidate will bring at least 7 years of hands-on experience in RNA biology , combined with deep expertise in laboratory automation. If you are passionate about transforming biological research through automation, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute a validated roadmap for RNA automation workflows, including RNA-centric processes (e.g., RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, siRNA/miRNA synthesis, transfection and RNA sample prep for NGS)
• Optimize existing manual RNA protocols for automation, reducing hands-on time, minimizing human error, and improving process consistency.
• Collaborate with RNA biologists, assay developers, and process engineers to translate scientific requirements into robust automated solutions.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for automated workflows and train laboratory staff on safe and effective system use.
• Integrate and operate robotic platforms and liquid handling systems to streamline RNA workflows.
• Collaborate with automation, informatics, and data science teams to support closed-loop, AI-guided experimentation.
• Ensure data quality, reproducibility, and proper documentation; drive continuous process optimization.
• Develop robust data management strategies, including LIMS integration, to support automation workflows.
• Evaluate and adopt emerging automation technologies to advance RNA biology capabilities.
• Ensure compliance with lab safety and regulatory requirements for automated systems.
• Partner with global LAL teams to establish standardized workflows and quality metrics.
• Regular coordination with global LAL teams (Boston, Indianapolis, San Diego) required; some domestic and international travel expected.

Qualifications & Experience

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, RNA Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields.
• 7+ years of hands-on lab experience in RNA research (e.g., RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, siRNA/miRNA synthesis, transfection and NGS method development)), and automation system operation.
• Deep expertise in RNA biology mechanisms, including RNA transcription, splicing, translation, stability, and RNA-mediated gene regulation (e.g., miRNA, siRNA, lncRNA).
• Proficiency with automation platforms (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Labcyte Echo) and automation workflow development is a plus.
• Strong understanding of RNA biology principles, including RNA structure, stability, and common pitfalls in RNA sample handling and processing.
• Familiarity with genomic and transcriptomic analysis tools (e.g., RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, qPCR, Northern blotting, Western blotting) and data interpretation.
• Strong lab automation protocol design, analytical and troubleshooting skills for optimizing automated protocols.
• Experience with RNA modification technologies, delivery systems (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, LNPs; viral vectors; GalNAc conjugates), and CRISPR/Cas-based RNA targeting tools is highly desirable.
• Experience operating or integrating automated instruments (e.g., qPCR, NGS, etc.)
• Experience in pharmaceutical or biotech R&D environment preferred.
• Proficiency in C#, Python or other scripting languages for automation control and data analysis.
• Experience with statistical experimental design (DOE) for assay optimization.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities for cross-functional collaboration.

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 does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.

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