Scientific Leader, Digital Automation

Role Summary

Scientific Leader, Digital Automation responsible for leading the RTech Automation team within Data Automation & Predictive Sciences (DAPS) to integrate automation technologies into scientific workflows, drive digital transformation of research processes, and collaborate cross-functionally to enable automated data generation, analysis, and archival. Role includes shaping strategy for digital automation, deploying tools and data pipelines, and guiding a centralized Automation/Engineering function to maximize automation investments.

Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of a strategic vision for digital automation within Research Technologies, aligning with broader digital transformation goals.
• Plan, design, develop, and deploy digital automated solutions that improve research workflows, data management, and experimental processes.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of digital automation solutions, continuously seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation to deliver robust, annotated data to AIML colleagues for analysis.
• Provide training and support to research teams on the use of new digital tools and automation systems.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to maintain competitive edge in digital automation.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Research Technologies division.
• Build partnerships with external vendors and other partners to evaluate and implement new digital automation technologies.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's or master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a relevant scientific subject area
• Required: 5+ years of experience in digital automation, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
• Required: Experience with leading digital transformation projects and implementing automation solutions in a research or laboratory setting
• Required: Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), and commercial digital orchestration software as well as cloud computing platforms and services (e.g., AWS, Azure)
• Required: Knowledge of automation technologies, including robotics, AI, machine learning, orchestration, and data analytics

Skills

• Excellent project management skills; ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Matrix leadership experience with focus on collaboration and innovation
• Strong problem-solving, strategic and creative thinking
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to digital automation in pharmaceutical research
• Programming familiarity (e.g., Python, R, C#, Java)
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data visualization tools
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities

Education

• Not specified beyond degree requirements in Qualifications

Additional Requirements

• Onsite work requirement: 3-4 days a week