Senior Lab Automation Scientist — Hybrid & Data-Driven

AstraZeneca GmbH; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Macclesfield, UK, is seeking a Senior Scientist to join the Automation & Data Science unit. You will develop, deliver and support new automation platforms, enabling data-rich experimentation and seamless data flows across the digital laboratory ecosystem.

You will own automation hardware/software, program workflows, and collaborate with chemists, engineers and IT to advance laboratory digital maturity while ensuring quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Degree in chemistry, chemical robotics or mechanical engineering or related field with hands-on automation experience.
• Proficiency in programming and scripting for automation platforms, robotics, and laboratory informatics.
• Experience with CAD and prototyping new tools and equipment.
• Operational experience with laboratory automation systems, including design/development, troubleshooting, and optimization of robotic platforms.
• Proven record of innovation through papers, patents or external presentations.
• Ability to develop and analyse multiple solutions to problems.
• Excellent communication skills across interfaces and disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Drive the design, implementation, and integration of automated platforms for synthetic and analytical chemistry, ensuring data capture and modelling efficiency.
• Program and operate laboratory robotics, troubleshoot issues, and optimise system performance.
• Lead or support technology evaluation, platform upgrades, and new automation initiatives.
• Train and empower laboratory scientists on automation systems.
• Ensure compliance with lab and IT quality standards, including software validation, change management, and security protocols.
• Maintain safe laboratory operations and prepare required safety documentation.
• Support Lab of the Future data integration and governance through automated workflows and data flows.

Skills

Programming for automation

CAD

Lab automation

Innovation

Problem solving

Communication

Education

PhD or equivalent in chemistry/robotics/engineering

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

AstraZeneca in Macclesfield, UK, is seeking a Senior Scientist to join the Automation & Data Science unit. You will develop, deliver and support new automation platforms, enabling data-rich experimentation and seamless data flows across the digital laboratory ecosystem.

You will own automation hardware/software, program workflows, and collaborate with chemists, engineers and IT to advance laboratory digital maturity while ensuring quality and safety.