BioFoundry User Program Manager - National Institute for BioFoundry

BioFoundry User Program Manager - National Institute for BioFoundry Applications (NIBA)/IGB

Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology

Job Summary

Manage, maintain, and supervise the research and development of biofoundry automation portfolio for the National Institute for Biofoundry Applications (NIBA) consisting of NSF iBioFoundry and NSF Global Center for Reliable and Scalable Biofoundries at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Manage the existing automation services and ensure reliable service delivery for biofoundry users. Lead the efforts to design, develop, standardize, and deploy automation pipeline for the iBioFoundry towards an integrated end-to-end pipeline named AlphaSynBio for synthetic biology. Duties & Responsibilities

Manage the user program including but not limited to overseeing the proposal submission and peer-review process, providing technical feedback on project feasibility and implementation for user projects, and coordinating with iBioFoundry users to translate wet-lab protocols to high-throughput automation workflows.

Develop, modify, and improve automated workflows for various synthetic biology applications at iBioFoundry.

Supervise and manage the iBioFoundry team for timely delivery of various automation services and timely completion of various research projects.

Coordinate with iBioFoundry faculty and team to consult and advise on research projects.

Coordinate with internal and external software developers to define, develop, and implement the data and logistics management needs of the facility.

Participate in education, outreach, and workforce development activities such as facility tours, summer schools, certificate programs, developing educational tools and programs, working with industrial partners, and updating website content.

Represent the facility at conferences and presentations, prepare publications and other written communications as necessary.

Generate and maintain documentation of automation protocols, project specifications, project design materials, and other documentation.

Assist the center director and managing director with various duties in ensuring smooth operation of the iBioFoundry. Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in biology, computer science, engineering, or related fields of study. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted if accompanied by equivalent experience, depending upon the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Minimum 4 years research experience in an academic or professional research setting, minimum 1 year project or lab management experience, and minimum 2 year laboratory automation experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, engineering, or related fields of study. Four or more years of relevant experience in research setting. Experience in synthetic biology combined with biofoundry and laboratory automation workflow design and development as well as AI/ML.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Experience with complex analytical instrumentation, automation equipment, or development of automated processes.

Experience with laboratory automation equipment, especially liquid handers such as Tecan liquid handler and Echo acoustic liquid handler, is preferred.

Prior experience in automation of biological workflows is highly valued.

Experience with developing workflows involving various biological workflows such as DNA cloning, protein engineering, and natural product discovery is highly valued.

Previous experience with programming such as Python is preferred.

Experience with project or lab management.

Ability to supervise others, encouraging success of team members.

Ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally with internal and external parties.

Must be organized, meticulous, self-directed, can handle a variety of tasks in a matrix environment.

Ability to work independently and take initiative when needed.

Ability to identify problems and develop solutions.

Excellent oral and written communication skills. Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 6/16/2025. The budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000 to $85,000. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including equivalent years in rank, training, and field or discipline; internal equity; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at, or by emailing .

Requisition ID: 1030286

Job Category: Research

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