Senior Automation Scientist/Engineer — Biologics Engineering

AstraZeneca plc; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 124,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Short-term incentive bonuses

Equity-based awards

Retirement programs and paid time off

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc is seeking a Senior Automation Scientist/Engineer in the Biologics Engineering group to embed laboratory automation and robotics into discovery workflows in Gaithersburg, MD. You will design, integrate, and optimize robotics and high-throughput systems, connecting instruments and data platforms into scalable, reliable platforms.

We seek hands-on experts in automation, scripting, and liquid handling with a strong science background, capable of driving durable improvements and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in life sciences, engineering, computer science, with 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience integrating automation with R&D bench science in biologics, drug discovery, or related life sciences setting.
• Hands-on experience with diverse laboratory automation platforms, liquid handlers, and high-throughput analytical technologies; labware definition, evaluation or optimization.
• Expertise in automation scheduling software and programming for liquid handler platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Labcyte, Agilent); scripting
• Understanding of how equipment capabilities affect data quality and assay outcomes.
• Strong communication and ability to work independently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Proven initiative and track record of durable improvements to systems or workflows.

Responsibilities

• Deliver robust, scalable automation platforms that integrate high-throughput and bench-scale systems; document workflows and translate assay requirements into automation solutions.
• Serve as the technical authority across multiple automation platforms, scheduling software, and scripting environments; guide design decisions and troubleshoot.
• Own the reliability and continuous improvement of shared automation systems and workflows; identify root causes and implement durable fixes.
• Support ongoing operation and troubleshooting of deployed automated workflows to ensure sustained performance.
• Mentor and grow the technical capability of the automation team and influence project direction across the organization.

Skills

Laboratory automation

Scripting

Liquid handling

High-throughput systems

Automation platforms

Programming (Python/C#)

Data management

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in life sciences, engineering, computer science

Tools

Hamilton

Labcyte

Agilent

Job description

Biologics Engineering (BE), part of Oncology R&D, is transforming biologics discovery through the integration of laboratory automation, advanced informatics, and AI. We are building next-generation capabilities to accelerate workflows, improve data quality, and enable smarter scientific decision-making. This is an exciting time for the organization as we create an industry-leading biologics discovery platform that unites scientific excellence, automation, and digital innovation.

We are seeking a Senior Automation Scientist/Engineer to help drive this transformation by embedding laboratory automation and robotics into our workflows and shaping the future of biologics discovery science. You will lead the design, integration, and optimization of robotics, high-throughput systems, and associated data workflows across the BE organization - building solutions that connect instruments, workflow control, data systems, and labware into platforms that are robust, scalable, and operationally sustainable. The successful candidate will bring a strong sense of ownership, taking responsibility for the reliability and long-term performance of our platforms.

Working in a matrix organization, you will partner closely with scientists to understand assay goals, advise on the most effective automation approaches, and translate scientific requirements into fit-for-purpose solutions. Success in this role depends on pairing strong expertise in laboratory automation, scripting, and liquid handling with a clear understanding of the underlying science and how equipment capabilities and design choices affect data quality and reproducibility.

Typical Accountabilities

• Deliver robust, scalable automation platforms that integrate high-throughput, bench-scale, and related laboratory systems - partnering with scientists to document and map workflows, capture assay requirements, and translate them into fit-for-purpose automation solutions.
• Serve as the technical authority across multiple automation platforms, scheduling software, and scripting environments - guiding design decisions, resolving complex technical issues, and advising on how equipment capabilities and limitations shape data quality and scientific outcomes.
• Own the reliability and continuous improvement of shared automation systems and workflows, identifying root causes, driving durable fixes, and raising the operational performance of the platform over time.
• Support the ongoing operation and troubleshooting of deployed automated workflows to ensure sustained performance and rapid resolution of technical issues.
• Grow the technical capability of the team by training, mentoring, or supervising junior engineers and scientists, and by influencing scientific thinking and project direction across the automation community and broader stakeholder network.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in life sciences, engineering, computer science, or a related field, with 4+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience integrating automation with R&D bench science in a biologics, drug discovery, or related life sciences setting.
• Deep hands-on experience with diverse laboratory automation platforms, liquid handlers, and/or high-throughput analytical technologies. Practical experience with liquid class development and labware definition, evaluation, or optimization.
• Expertise in automation scheduling software and advanced programming knowledge of liquid handler platforms (e.g., Hamilton, Labcyte, Agilent), including creating, modifying, and troubleshooting robotics and automation scripts.
• Strong understanding of the science underpinning laboratory workflows and assays, and how equipment capabilities and limitations affect automation design and data quality.
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated track record of taking initiative and driving durable improvements to systems, workflows, or team practices.

Desirable Skills

• Experience implementing automation with orchestration platforms (e.g., Green Button Go, Thermo Momentum, Cellario).
• Working knowledge of Python, C#, or similar languages, practical experience in database connectivity, data management, and extracting data from ASCII/delimited files to enable automation-related informatics integration and data-driven science.
• Track record of delivering automation solutions in a biologics discovery setting and influencing scientific direction and technical strategy in automation-related projects.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $124K to $171K. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives - an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted: 02-Nov-2026

Closing Date: 09-Nov-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.