Principal Scientist, Automation Platforms

Role Summary

Principal Scientist, Automation Platforms leads the optimization, management, and support of comprehensive automation platforms within the RTech Automation team, driving automation strategies to enhance operational efficiency and scientist experience in drug discovery workflows.

Responsibilities

• Support scalable and robust automation platforms to maximise system impact across a diverse portfolio of research activities ensuring consistent performance & availability, seamless data flow, and system interoperability.
• Contribute to 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.
• Provide technical expertise in automation operations, method development, and instrument programming & scripting.
• Ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of automation platforms, adhering to industry standards and local safety requirements.
• Carry out proactive monitoring and leverage diagnostic tools to anticipate and resolve platform issues efficiently, including developing and implementing proactive maintenance regimes for key equipment.
• Maintain documentation for platform implementation and operational procedures.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of automation platforms, identifying areas for optimization and implementing enhancements.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends, supporting the incorporation of new advancements into GSK's automation strategy.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with the internal and external vendor service organizations.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 5 or more years of experience in automation platform operations, workflow automation, maintenance, or programming.
  • Experience with advanced automation platforms in a research or laboratory environment.
  • Experience working with liquid handling platforms (such as Tecan, Hamilton, etc.).
  • Experience working with technical systems, including robotics, high-throughput screening, and data management systems.
  • Experience with integrated automation systems (such as HighResBio, Thermo, Biosero etc), scheduling software (such as Momentum, Cellario, and GreenButtonGo), APIs, middleware, and data exchange protocols.
  • Project management experience.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of safety requirements and industry standards related to automation in pharmaceutical research.
• 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. GCP, 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.
• Strong collaboration and innovation skillset.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly address and resolve technical challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to a diverse set of stakeholders.