Director, Automation Platforms

Role Summary

Director, Automation Platforms at GSK. Leads a global automation leadership team within the RTech Automation group to design, deploy, and optimize automated platforms that enable biology and data at scale across research workflows. Builds partnerships across interdisciplinary teams to drive adoption of automation technologies in drug discovery and development.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Development: Lead a line and global matrix teams focused on automation, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Lead by example to foster an automation mindset across the organization.
• Lead the management of scalable and robust automation platforms to maximise system impact to support a diverse portfolio of research activities ensuring consistent performance & availability, seamless data flow, and system interoperability.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision for existing automation platforms within RTech, aligning with GSK's overall digital transformation goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including research leaders, scientists, IT, and engineering, to apply automation to key scientific initiatives.
• Ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of automation platforms, adhering to industry standards and local safety requirements.
• Implement proactive monitoring and diagnostic tools to anticipate and resolve platform issues efficiently, including developing and implementing proactive maintenance regimes for key equipment
• Develop and maintain documentation for platform implementation and operational procedures.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of automation platforms, identifying areas for optimization and implementing enhancements.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends, incorporating new advancements into GSK's automation strategy.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with the internal and external vendor service organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in automation and platform management, with at least 7 years in a leadership role with corresponding managerial experience.
• Proven expertise in deploying, operating, and managing advanced automation platforms in a research or laboratory environment.
• Broad experience of technical systems, including robotics, high-throughput screening, and data management systems.
• Experience with system integration, including scheduling software, APIs, middleware, and data exchange protocols.
• Industry project management skills demonstrated by previous record of directing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Previous experience in a management or leadership role with line responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of safety requirements and industry standards related to automation in pharmaceutical research.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly address and resolve technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELNs).
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, C#, or Java, and experience scripting for automation.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms and services (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data visualization tools.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to direct multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on collaboration and innovation.