Senior Automation Scientist/Engineer — Biologics Engineering

Posted 2 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Gaithersburg, MD, USA
In-Office
124K-171K Annually
Senior level
Biotech • Pharmaceutical
The Role
Lead the design, integration, optimization, and reliable operation of laboratory automation platforms supporting biologics discovery. Translate assay requirements into scalable robotics and liquid-handling solutions, develop and troubleshoot scripts and scheduling workflows, optimize labware and liquid classes, and integrate instruments with data systems. Partner with scientists, resolve technical issues, drive continuous improvement, and mentor junior team members across a matrixed organization.
Summary Generated by Built In

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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in life sciences, engineering, computer science, or a related field
  • 4+ years of relevant industry experience
  • Experience integrating automation with R&D bench science in a biologics, drug discovery, or related life sciences setting
  • Hands-on experience with laboratory automation platforms, liquid handlers, and/or high-throughput analytical technologies
  • Experience with liquid class development and labware definition, evaluation, or optimization
  • Expertise in automation scheduling software and advanced programming of liquid handler platforms such as Hamilton, Labcyte, or Agilent
  • Ability to create, modify, and troubleshoot robotics and automation scripts
  • Strong understanding of laboratory workflow and assay science, equipment capabilities, automation design, and data quality
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment
  • Demonstrated initiative and a track record of driving durable improvements to systems, workflows, or team practices
  • Experience implementing automation with orchestration platforms such as Green Button Go, Thermo Momentum, or Cellario
  • Working knowledge of Python, C#, or similar programming languages
  • Experience with database connectivity, data management, and extracting data from ASCII or delimited files
  • Track record of delivering automation solutions in a biologics discovery setting and influencing scientific direction or technical strategy

AstraZeneca Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about AstraZeneca and has not been reviewed or approved by AstraZeneca.

  • Fair & Transparent Compensation — Pay is considered competitive across many roles when total rewards are factored in. Senior scientific and leadership bands are described with high ranges that reinforce competitiveness at upper levels.
  • Strong & Reliable Incentives — Bonuses, equity eligibility in many salaried roles, and solid sales on‑target earnings with upside are emphasized as meaningful parts of compensation. These elements boost overall value even where base pay is not the very highest.
  • Retirement Support — A 401(k) program with a strong company match and immediate vesting is repeatedly cited as a standout. Generous retirement support is viewed as enhancing the total package relative to peers.

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The Company
HQ: Gaithersburg, MD
70,000 Employees
Year Founded: 1999

What We Do

We're transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what science can do for people, society and the planet.

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