Senior Scientist, Lab & Data Automation

Our mission is to build scalable automated analytical workflows that improve operational efficiency and help high-quality cell therapies reach patients faster.

As a Senior Scientist, Lab & Data Automation, you will bridge laboratory operations, automation technologies, and digital workflow integration to modernize analytical workflows for engineered cell therapy programs. Reporting to the Associate Director of Analytical Sciences, you will partner cross-functionally with Analytical Sciences, PSAT, Operations, and Quality teams to develop scalable, automation-ready laboratory solutions.

This role is highly automation-focused and requires a hands-on professional with experience supporting laboratory automation integration, workflow optimization, and analytical operations in fast-paced environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate manual laboratory workflows into automation-ready processes in collaboration with automation engineers and scientific teams.

• Support integration, optimization, and troubleshooting of automated liquid handling systems and connected analytical instruments.

• Lead feasibility studies and evaluate new automation technologies, analytical platforms, and workflow improvements.

• Build scalable data and workflow solutions integrating laboratory instruments, robotics, and digital systems.

• Partner with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency, workflow robustness, and analytical scalability.

• Support automation-related compliance activities, including data integrity and GxP/21 CFR Part 11 considerations.

• Communicate technical recommendations and project updates to scientific and operational stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with laboratory automation platforms and automated workflow integration.

• Experience supporting automated liquid handlers such as Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter, or similar systems.

• Understanding of analytical laboratory workflows and sample processing operations.

• Experience leading or supporting automation integration and cross-functional technical projects.

• Familiarity with laboratory data systems, digital workflows, or data integration concepts.

• Working knowledge of GxP environments and data integrity expectations.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, cell therapy, genomics, or high-throughput laboratory environments.

• Exposure to Python, SQL, cloud-based platforms, or workflow automation tools.

• Familiarity with flow cytometry, imaging, molecular assays, or plate-based analytical workflows.

Education and Experience

• B.S. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Analytical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 5+ years of relevant hands-on experience or

• M.S. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Analytical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience or

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Analytical Sciences, or a related scientific discipline with no prior industry experience required.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where innovation meets opportunity. With constant new products and launches, you'll be part of a team that shapes the future of life-changing medicines. Our commitment to staying ahead in rapidly changing markets drives us to continuously seek new ways to deliver medicines to patients. Here, you'll find a safe space to share ideas and problem-solve alongside a diverse team of experts connected across the globe. We thrive on challenges and embrace them as opportunities to learn and grow.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $115,057.60 - 172,586.40. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program. Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation a