Principal Research Scientist I, Automation Strategy Lead for Biologics CMC Development

Role Summary

The Principal Automation Technology Strategy Lead is the cross-functional architect and owner of the holistic laboratory equipment automation roadmap for Biologics CMC Development at AbbVie’s South San Francisco site in the Bay Area. This pivotal role integrates technical vision, hands-on system expertise, leadership, and change management across all CMC functions to accelerate productivity, drive high system uptime, improve data quality, and foster an innovative, future-ready automation culture. The Strategy Lead will act as an influential individual contributor with potential for future team leadership, and as AbbVie’s connector to the broader automation community internally and externally.

Responsibilities

• Architect, lead, and implement the equipment automation roadmap at the Biologics CMC Development at AbbVie’s South San Francisco site, with influence extending across Cell Line, Cell Culture, Purification, Formulation, and Analytical Development.
• Lead cross-functional automation assessments and strategic prioritization exercises to identify workflow automation opportunities including but not limited to liquid handling, integrated data management, compound management, robotics, and equipment connectivity.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors, IT/digital teams, and data transformation initiatives to roadmap and orchestrate solutions maximizing interoperability, scalability, and future-readiness of the technology ecosystem.
• Oversee system uptime and performance, developing robust monitoring and continuous improvement processes; establish, track, and deliver on process improvement milestones.
• Identify, pilot, and scale automation technology solutions—including hardware, software, and integration strategies (Tecan, Hamilton, Lynx, Agilent, Opentron, etc.)—tailored to a rapidly evolving scientific environment.
• Collaborate closely with scientific leaders, technical experts, and bench scientists to map workflows, capture requirements, and deliver integrated automation solutions, balancing short- and long-term site objectives.
• Serve as the primary interface with compound management to streamline sample and data management systems, maximizing traceability, efficiency, and reliability.
• Understands the business implications of assigned projects and processes and identifies automation solutions compatible with business needs.
• Lead troubleshooting and problem-solving efforts for challenging or novel automation system failures, working closely with technology partners and vendors as needed.
• Act as a mentor and key resource for technical staff, supporting training, user acceptance testing, and the adoption of best practices across user groups.
• Connect AbbVie’s site teams with the global automation community—importing, adapting, and sharing innovations, standards, and lessons learned.
• Build relationships with vendors and technology partners; maintain awareness of industry trends and proactively evaluate new solutions for strategic fit.
• Ensure thorough documentation, compliance, and knowledge management consistent with AbbVie policies.

Qualifications

• Required: Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, or related technical field with 14+ years of experience (BS), 10+ years (MS), or 6+ years (PhD).
• Required: Minimum 6 years’ progressive experience in laboratory automation strategy/implementation in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology or closely related environment.
• Required: Proven record of delivering and maintaining integrated lab automation solutions including both hardware and software across platforms (liquid handlers, robotics, readers, etc.).
• Required: Demonstrated success leading cross-functional automation initiatives, from design and pilot phases through scaling and full integration into routine laboratory operations, with measurable impacts in system uptime, data quality, and process improvement.
• Required: Hands-on experience with one or more liquid handling systems (Hamilton, Agilent, Tecan, Lynx, and/or Opentron) and managing high-volume data/sample workflows.
• Required: Strong technical skills in system integration, scripting/coding, and mechanical troubleshooting.
• Required: Record of measurable impact in performance improvements: system uptime, data quality, process metrics, and end-user satisfaction.
• Required: Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and influencing abilities; demonstrated capacity to drive consensus and change in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.
• Required: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, able to communicate across organizational levels.
• Required: History of productive collaboration in a dynamic, fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Required: Proactive participant/connector in automation professional networks within the broader automation community.
• Required: Knowledge of compliance standards and documentation in regulated laboratory settings.
• Required: Active participant in professional automation networks or external communities.
• Preferred: Experience delivering automated lab solutions specifically for one or more CMC development functions (Cell Line, Cell Culture, Purification, Formulation, and Analytical Development).
• Preferred: Demonstrated experience mentoring technical staff and/or prior management or team leadership experience.