Description

Job Title: Field Applications Scientist I

Department: Services & Support

Reports to: Senior Director, Services & Support

Direct Reports: No

Location: Remote in California
FLSA Status: Exempt

About Us
Opentrons Labworks, Inc. is a disruptive life science company leveraging its integrated lab platform to supercharge the pace of innovation in research and healthcare. Through Opentrons Robotics, thousands of institutions are automating lab operations with flexible, easy-to-use liquid handling lab robots. With our own cutting edge R&D, biopharma and biotech at large can also benefit from our world-class genome-scale cell engineering solutions.

If you are looking for your next exciting opportunity, come join us! We provide excellent benefits, competitive compensation, equity packages, and opportunities for growth. Learn more on our Careers Website.

About the Role
Opentrons is seeking a customer-focused Field Applications Scientist I (FAS I) to support system onboarding, customer training, and foundational workflow development across our liquid-handling robotic platforms.

In this entry-level role, you will partner with customers and cross-functional teams to drive successful onboarding and early adoption of Opentrons systems. You will collaborate with Sales, Technical Support, Product, and Engineering while gaining hands-on experience in automation, customer engagement, and scientific applications. This role operates in a fast-paced commercial environment serving scientists, engineers, and lab personnel across diverse applications.

This remote role is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and requires 50–75%+ travel, including overnights, with additional travel as needed. Field Applications Scientists report directly to the Manager, Field Applications Scientist.
 

What You Would Do

●        Support the Sales team by helping identify customer needs and providing basic technical context for Opentrons solutions.

●        Lead post-sale onboarding calls covering system setup, workflow fundamentals, and implementation planning.

●        Support remote and on-site protocol development, including workflow setup, testing, and foundational optimization, in collaboration with senior team members.

●        Serve as a point of contact for customers as they progress through the protocol development and onboarding process.

●        Collaborate with Technical Support to deliver timely and accurate application assistance.

●        Build strong customer relationships through responsive, professional communication.

●        Troubleshoot application-level challenges and escalate complex technical issues appropriately.

●        Ensure coordinated, high-quality support during customer implementation.

●        Represent Opentrons at select trade shows, workshops, or customer events as assigned.

Who We Are Looking For

Education:

●       Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Engineering, or a related major required

●       A Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline may be considered in lieu of industry experience.

Experience: 

●       Minimum 0-2 years of experience in a customer-facing role within the life sciences industry.

●       Exposure to liquid-handling automation platforms required, Opentrons systems are a plus.

●       Familiarity with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and workflow management systems preferred.

●       Familiarity with GitHub or version control systems is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

●       Foundational understanding and proficiency in Python; ability to learn and apply scripting skills for automation.

●       Familiarity with core biological workflows (e.g., NGS, nucleic acid purification, PCR, ELISA) preferred.

●       Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

●       Ability to deliver technical information clearly to a variety of audiences.

●       Strong troubleshooting and structured problem-solving skills.

●       Strong documentation habits and attention to detail.

●       Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a distributed field team.

●       Customer-first attitude with a proactive, solutions-driven approach.

●       Effective time management and organizational skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

●       Fast-paced environment with dynamic scheduling and shifting customer priorities.

●       50-75%+ travel required to meet business demands.

●       The candidate must live near an international airport.

●       Some physical effort is required, including lifting and installing robotic instruments and associated components.

Compensation Range: The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $85,000 and $94,000 per year; base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and years of experience.  We typically target mid-range for well-qualified candidates. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including bonus, equity and full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. Following employment, growth beyond the hiring range is possible based on performance.

Opentrons Labworks Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected for the requisition or the requisition has a sufficient number of applications.

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