About the role
Senior Automation Engineer – Laboratory Automation & Digital Analytics
Location: Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
Industry: Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology / Life Sciences
Employment Type: Full-time, Regular
Work Arrangement: On-site
Compensation: $137,000–$215,270 base salary
About the Role
A leading pharmaceutical organisation is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead laboratory automation and digital capability initiatives supporting in-process analytical testing across biologics and synthetic molecules.
The role focuses on designing, implementing and maintaining modular, fully automated analytical testing platforms and digital solutions that improve laboratory efficiency, reliability, scalability and data-driven decision-making.
You will work closely with Analytical Development, Process Development, Characterization, Quality, Stability and other scientific teams to identify opportunities for automation, reduce manual processes and deliver practical digital solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, implementation and lifecycle management of modular, fully automated analytical testing platforms.
- Develop and implement digital capabilities including AI-enabled and traditional software agents, visualisation tools, data management platforms and database solutions.
- Partner with Process Development, Analytical Development, Characterization, Attribute Sciences, Quality and Stability teams to understand laboratory requirements and identify automation opportunities.
- Lead laboratory automation and digital projects from planning through implementation and ongoing improvement.
- Develop clear project plans and apply effective change-management approaches.
- Evaluate, onboard and manage robotic systems, laboratory automation software and external technology/vendor solutions.
- Develop technical strategies and identify capability gaps, improvement opportunities and potential automation solutions.
- Support decisions relating to automation technologies, digital tools and analytical method development.
- Develop and implement automated analytical methods and orchestration workflows.
- Contribute to scalable solutions that maximise the business value of laboratory automation and digital transformation.
- Drive continuous improvement across laboratory processes, automation platforms and digital capabilities.
- Present technical findings, project progress and scientific data clearly to technical and business stakeholders.
Technical Expertise
Experience with laboratory automation technologies such as:
- Tecan EVO and Fluent liquid-handling systems.
- SCARA robotic systems, including Thermo Inspire, HiRes FlexPod and FlexCart.
- Automated analytical workflows and orchestration platforms such as Momentum and Cellario OS.
- Python and R for statistical analysis, data automation and advanced analytics.
- SQL and database solutions.
- Data automation and analytics platforms such as Domino Data Lab.
- Laboratory automation integration and modular system architecture.
- Automated analytical method development and workflow optimisation.
Requirements
- BSc, MSc or PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related scientific discipline combined with laboratory automation and digital industry experience; or
- Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related discipline with industry experience in analytical testing and method development environments.
- Minimum relevant industry experience of:
- 3 years with a PhD
- 9 years with an MSc
- 11 years with a BSc
- Strong experience with integrated and modular laboratory automation systems.
- Experience developing automated analytical methods and orchestration workflows.
- Programming and data analytics experience using Python, R and/or similar tools.
- Experience with SQL, databases and data automation platforms.
- Proven ability to lead technical projects and initiatives with minimal supervision.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and technical decision-making capabilities.
- Excellent written, verbal and scientific data presentation skills.
- Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder-management skills.
Preferred Experience
- Knowledge of analytical testing methods used for in-process testing of biologics and synthetic molecules.
- Understanding of ICH and other regulatory guidance relating to analytical method development and lifecycle management.
- Experience with chromatographic, electrophoretic and isoelectric focusing techniques.
- Experience with UHPLC/HPLC, capillary electrophoresis, CE-SDS, Maurice, LabChip GXII or ELISA methods.
- Experience applying automation and digital technologies within pharmaceutical or biotechnology laboratories.
Key Skills
Laboratory Automation | Lab Automation | Automation Engineering | Pharmaceutical Automation | Analytical Testing | Automated Analytical Methods | Robotic Systems | Liquid Handling | Tecan | SCARA Robotics | Momentum | Cellario OS | Python | R | SQL | Data Analytics | Data Automation | Domino Data Lab | Laboratory Digitalisation | Digital Transformation | Biologics | Synthetic Molecules | Analytical Chemistry | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Process Development | Method Development | Continuous Improvement | Project Leadership
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range of $137,000–$215,270 .
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Full-time, regular employment.
- Opportunity to lead advanced laboratory automation and digital transformation initiatives within a global pharmaceutical environment.
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
Questions, answered
Click "Apply with JobAssist" – we tailor your resume and application to this role and submit it for your approval.
Yes. This role at SoTalent was screened before publishing – we confirmed the employer before listing it.
The employer didn't disclose a salary range for this listing. JobAssist shows pay whenever it's available.
This position can be done from anywhere, with no in-office requirement.
Yes – every application is tailored from your profile and this job's requirements, and you can review and edit before it's sent.