Jobs Companies AstraZeneca Senior Automation Scientist/Engineer — Biologics Engineering

About this Senior Automation Scientist/Engineer — Biologics Engineering role at AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca · Onsite · US - Gaithersburg - MD

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. 

About the Role 

The Senior Automation Scientist/Engineer 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, they 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. 

Qualifications and Skills 

Essential 

  • 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 

  • Track record of delivering automation solutions in a biologics discovery setting and influencing scientific direction and technical strategy in automation-related projects. 

  • 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. 

  • Contributions to technology innovation through conference presentations, publications, patents, or external vendor/partner collaborations. 

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now to join our team at AstraZeneca!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $124,713.60 to $187,070.40. 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 plan.

Date Posted

14-Aug-2026

Closing Date

30-Aug-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.

Ready to apply to AstraZeneca?
Apply to AstraZeneca

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture wh

See all jobs at AstraZeneca →

Similar jobs

AstraZeneca
Paralegal - AstraZeneca AB (International)
AstraZeneca
⚡ Apply early Sweden - Stockholm Hybrid
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 1d ago
AstraZeneca
Global Study Associate Director
AstraZeneca
⚡ Apply early US - Durham - NC Hybrid $137,938–$206,906
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 1d ago
AstraZeneca
Director, Global Commercial, HER2-ADC
AstraZeneca
⚡ Apply early US - Gaithersburg - MD Onsite $180,657–$270,985
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 1d ago
AstraZeneca
Regional Account Manager, Rare Neurology, Illinois South
AstraZeneca
⚡ Apply early US - St Louis - MO Onsite $152,636–$228,954
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 1d ago
AstraZeneca
Oncology Regional Area Lead – Fix term 12 Months initially, potentially extendable to 18months
AstraZeneca
⚡ Apply early Switzerland - Baar Onsite
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 2d ago
AstraZeneca
Regional Senior Finance Director, Americas Supply & Operations
AstraZeneca
⚡ Apply early US - Gaithersburg - MD Onsite $204,000–$305,000
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 2d ago
AstraZeneca
【Alexion Japan】 Manager, Medical Customer Care, Rare Neurology(全国)
AstraZeneca
⚡ Apply early Japan - Tokyo Onsite
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 2d ago
AstraZeneca
Medical Representative - Biologics R&I - Hanoi
AstraZeneca
⚡ Apply early Vietnam - Hanoi Onsite
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 2d ago
AstraZeneca
MR-RB&I-上海
AstraZeneca
⚡ Apply early China Onsite
● New 👁 Seen ✓ Applied 2d ago

Sign up for suggestions tailored to the jobs you open and the searches you save.

More jobs at AstraZeneca

See all jobs at AstraZeneca →

Apply now
🤖

Whoa — hold up

JobsRadar was built for real people having a rough time in their job search — not for automated requests. You're clicking way too fast and you're now temporarily blocked.

Come back later. If you're genuinely job hunting, we've got your back — just act like a human.

Catch your next role the second it’s posted.

Create a free account and we’ll watch the boards for you — the instant a job matches your search, it lands in your inbox or Telegram. No digging, no refreshing.

Create free account

Free forever · takes 30 seconds · already have one?

Get an edge on your job hunt.

Join our Telegram channel for the stuff that helps you land the role — salary benchmarks, the weekly market pulse, and new-feature drops. No spam, just signal.

Join the channel — it's free