Principal Scientist, Automation Platforms

Job Title:

Principal Scientist, Automation Platforms, RTech Automation US, DAPS

Job Overview:

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is searching for experienced and technically adept Principal Scientist to join our new RTech Automation team within Data, Automation & Predictive Sciences (DAPS) in our Research Technologies (RTech) division. RTech Automation will spearhead the integration of automation technologies into our scientific workflows to deliver biology and data at scale. A critical component of RTech's vision as a technology-driven leader in target discovery and molecule design is the establishment of an integrated design-generate-analyze-model-predict cycle within DAPS, supported by this centralized Automation/Engineering team. This team will transform RTech by deploying cutting-edge lab automation and robotics at global sites, serving as a center for expertise and support to align strategies and maximize automation investments.

The successful candidate will join a team including automation engineers, application specialists and IT specialists.  The team will be responsible for the optimization, management, and support of comprehensive automation platforms critical to our operations. This role requires an individual with expertise in technical automation systems, ideally both integrated platforms and standalone devices.  The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in laboratory automation, and a proven record of successfully leveraging automation solutions to impact scientific objectives. They will forge robust partnerships, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and play a vital role in driving the success of automation technologies.  The overarching goal of the team is to leverage automation to enhance our operational efficiency, improve scientists’ lab experience, support research processes, and further our commitment to delivering advanced therapies.

This role will report to RTech Automation Platforms Lead, US and will play a role in shaping our vision and strategy in automating drug discovery workflows, while also providing technical expertise. 

Key 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.

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.

If you are passionate about advancing pharmaceutical research through innovative automation platforms, we invite you to join our team at GSK. Apply now and be part of a company that is dedicated to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, and live longer.

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Please visit  GSK US Benefits Summary to learn more about the comprehensive benefits program GSK offers US employees.

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