Scientific Leader, Automation Operations

GlaxoSmithKline; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare leader in Stevenage is seeking an Automation Operations Lead to drive innovation within scientific workflows. This role involves creating strategies for automating research processes and leading a team in implementing cutting-edge solutions. The ideal candidate has a strong background in engineering or life sciences, alongside proven experience in lab automation. This position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid working model, empowering you to balance remote and in-office work.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus based on performance

Healthcare and wellbeing programmes

Pension plan membership

Shares and savings programme

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in integrated automation operations within pharmaceuticals.
• Proven track record of implementing automation solutions in a lab.
• Strong knowledge of lab automation scheduling software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for automation operations.
• Lead a team to enhance research productivity using automation solutions.
• Support deployment of automated solutions to improve workflows.

Skills

Automation Solutions Implementation

Project Management

Problem Solving

Excellent Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or Life Sciences

Tools

GreenButtonGo

Cellario

Momentum

Job description

Site Name: UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage

Posted Date: Jan 9 2026

We create a place where people can grow, be their best, be safe, and feel welcome, valued and included. We offer a competitive salary, an annual bonus based on company performance, healthcare and wellbeing programmes, pension plan membership, and shares and savings programme.

We embrace modern work practises; our Performance with Choice programme offers a hybrid working model, empowering you to find the optimal balance between remote and in-office work.

Discover more about our company wide benefits and life at GSK on our webpage Life at GSK | GSK.

Scientific Leader, Automation Operations UK

GSK is seeking a dynamic and innovative Automation Operations Lead for our new Automation team within Data Automation & Predictive Sciences (DAPS) in our Research Technologies (RTech) division. RTech Automation will spearhead the integration of automation technologies into our scientific workflows to deliver biology and data at scale. A critical component of RTech’s vision as a technology‑driven leader in target discovery and molecule design is the establishment of an integrated design‑generate‑analyze‑model‑predict cycle within DAPS, supported by this centralized Automation/Engineering team. This team will transform RTech by deploying cutting‑edge lab automation and robotics at global sites, serving as a centre for expertise and support to align strategies and maximise automation investments.

The Automation Operations Lead will be pivotal in driving the transformation of our research processes through automation and advanced technology integration. The successful candidate will train and lead a team of contingent workers to enhance productivity, efficiency, and data generation within our research teams by leveraging cutting‑edge automation solutions. Furthermore, the position will require close collaboration with cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure the efficient operations of integrated lab automation platforms across RTech.

The Scientific Leader, Automation Operations will play an important part in shaping our vision and strategy in automating drug discovery workflows, while also providing technical expertise and leadership. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of pharmaceutical research at GSK.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic approach for coordinated automation operations within Research Technologies, aligning with GSK’s broader automation and digitisation goals.
• Lead a team of contingent workers to enhance productivity, efficiency, and data generation within our research teams by leveraging cutting‑edge automation solutions.
• Support deployment of automated solutions that improve research workflows, data management, and experimental processes.
• Provide training and support to both scientific research partners and automation operations team on use of automation scheduling and integrated physical lab systems.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to maintain GSK’s competitive edge in automation. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Research Technologies division.
• Build partnerships with external vendors and other partners to evaluate and implement new automation technologies.

Why you?

Basic Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or Life Sciences discipline and extensive experience in integrated automation operations within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven track record of implementing automation solutions in a research laboratory setting.
• High degree of expertise in lab automation scheduling software including industry standards such as GreenButtonGo, Cellario, and Momentum.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Track record of matrix leadership, with a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to pharmaceutical research.
• Understanding of technologies including AI, machine learning, orchestration, and data analytics.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), and commercial digital orchestration software.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, C#, or Java.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data visualization tools.

Closing Date for Applications – 26th January 2026

We invite you to join our team at GSK and help shape the future of healthcare. Apply now and be part of a company that is dedicated to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, and live longer.

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us at [e-mail] where you can also request a call.

Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments, we will not be able to support you through these channels. However, we have created a Recruitment FAQ guide. Click the Link where you will find answers to multiple questions we receive.

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