Senior Director, Chemistry Automation Engineering

GSK is seeking a Senior Director of Chemistry Automation Engineering to join our DAPS group. This strategic role is essential for advancing our capabilities in automated chemical processes and accelerating our drug discovery efforts. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background as a medicinal chemist, with the expertise to navigate the complexities of chemical reactions and workflows. This leader will drive the integration of cutting-edge automation technologies, fostering innovation and aligning with GSK's broader objectives to enhance research and development efficiency.

In this role you will lead a centralized automation team, optimize laboratory operations, and promote cross-functional collaboration. Your efforts will ensure data integrity and elevate GSK’s competitive edge in pharmaceutical R&D. If you are passionate about transforming the landscape of modern drug discovery through automation, we invite you to join our team and make a significant impact on global health.

Key Deliverables and Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Implementation: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for automating chemical processes in laboratory settings, aligning with GSK’s larger goals of innovation and efficiency.

Technological Integration: Lead the design and integration of automation solutions, including robotics, IoT, and cognitive computing, to streamline chemical workflows and enhance data exchange.

Team Leadership and Development: Build and mentor a team of automation engineers and chemists, promoting a collaborative environment focused on innovation and high-quality solution delivery.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with data scientists, informaticists, and other technical leaders to ensure seamless integration of automation with other research initiatives such as AI/ML-driven experiments.

Innovation Reinforcement: Act as an incubator for new and emerging automation technologies by evaluating and integrating innovative solutions to push the boundaries of current chemical synthesis methodologies.

Maintain and Optimize Operations: Ensure the operational excellence of lab automation equipment, implementing lifecycle management strategies for maintenance, repair, and upgrades.

Data Management and Security: Develop data management protocols that ensure secure, reproducible, and high-quality data output, supporting AI/ML applications.

Vendor and External Partner Engagement: Foster strategic partnerships with external vendors and research institutions, expanding GSK's capabilities and driving forward cutting-edge research solutions.

Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks associated with automation projects, ensuring business continuity and maintaining data integrity.

Performance Monitoring: Establish and utilize metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of automation initiatives, facilitating continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a strong emphasis on medicinal chemistry.
• 15+ years in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with exposure throughout to laboratory automation and high-throughput chemical processes.
• 10+ years expertise in automating complex chemical workflows, including hands-on experience with robotics, IoT, and cognitive computing applications in chemical processes

Preferred qualifications

• Proven strategic leadership experience, including the development and execution of automation strategies that align with broader organizational goals.
• Strong background in team leadership and development, with a track record of mentoring and building high-performing teams of engineers and chemists.
• Experience with cross-disciplinary collaboration, particularly in integrating automation with research initiatives involving AI/ML.
• Solid understanding of data management principles, ensuring secure, reproducible, and high-quality data output.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to foster partnerships with external vendors and research institutions.
• Proficiency in risk management and performance monitoring, with experience in establishing and utilizing metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of automation initiatives.

Why GSK?

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