Hybrid Bench Scientist Automation Engineer

Do you have a passion for science and technology? Would you like to apply your expertise to impact a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life-changing medicines? Then AstraZeneca might be the one for you.

At AstraZeneca, we put patients first and strive to meet unmet patient needs worldwide. Working here means being entrepreneurial, thinking big, and working together to make the impossible a reality. If you are swift to action, confident to lead, willing to collaborate, and curious about what science can do, then you’re our kind of person.

• Location: Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA

About the Site

Our Kendall Square site in Cambridge, MA is part of AstraZeneca’s vibrant R&D community and brings together world-class scientific talent, innovative technologies, and collaborative ways of working to discover and develop life-changing medicines for patients around the world. Located in one of the world’s leading biotechnology hubs, the site is designed to foster cross-functional teamwork, scientific innovation, and operational excellence.

• Work environment: Modern, activity-based workspaces that support a variety of working styles
• Collaboration: Strong partnership across scientific and technical teams
• Location advantage: Based in a leading global biotechnology hub

Summary of the Group

Biologics Engineering (BE) is a large global organization with teams in Gaithersburg, MD and Cambridge, UK, responsible for the discovery and optimization of next-generation biologics to create biological drug candidates across key therapeutic areas.

• Therapeutic areas include oncology, respiratory and inflammation, and cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases
• Mission: Expand our capabilities to support global responsibilities and develop innovative biologics discovery platforms and novel drug modalities
• Focus: Address unmet medical needs through scientific innovation

Main Duties & Responsibilities

We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated Scientist / Automation Engineer to enhance our High Throughput Production & Screening (HTPS) biologics capability. This role is intended for a candidate with expertise in both hands-on laboratory science and laboratory automation, who can apply scientific understanding to the design, implementation, optimization, and troubleshooting of automated workflows.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in a dynamic group responsible for developing integrated end-to-end automation platforms to support high-throughput expression, purification, and full characterization of antibody therapeutics on a microgram-to-milligram scale.

• Combine bench science and automation expertise to support experimental execution and automated laboratory process development
• Develop and optimize integrated end-to-end automation platforms
• Support high-throughput expression, purification, and characterization workflows for antibody therapeutics
• Serve as an on-site expert in scientific automation while partnering with a global automation team in Gaithersburg, MD and Cambridge, UK
• Build and expand lab automation capabilities
• Guide the development of complex workflows and automate key laboratory processes
• Provide technical expertise within a global team of automation engineers
• Collaborate with scientists, data engineers, and software developers
• Enhance laboratory throughput, precision, and scalability through practical automated solutions
• Translate scientific workflows into robust, scalable automation approaches

Education & Experience Requirements

• BS with 5+ years of relevant experience
• MS with 3+ years of relevant experience
• PhD with relevant experience

Relevant disciplines include:

• Scientific disciplines: biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fields
• Engineering disciplines: chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields
• Computational disciplines: computer science or related fields

Required Skills

• Bench science and automation experience: Demonstrated experience in both bench-based laboratory science and laboratory automation
• Automation expertise: Proven track record of creating, modifying, and troubleshooting complex scientific standalone robotic methods and integrated automation systems
• Molecular and cell biology techniques: Hands-on experience with cloning, transfection, and transduction methods
• Automation platforms: Advanced knowledge of Hamilton, TECAN, and PerkinElmer
• High-throughput analytical tools: Experience with plate readers and flow cytometers
• Enabling automation tools: Experience with plate sealers/peelers and automated barcode readers
• Integration software: Experience with Green Button Go, Cellario, and Momentum
• Workflow translation: Ability to understand scientific workflows and convert them into efficient, reliable, and scalable automated solutions
• Continuous learning: Proven track record of consistently developing new skills and knowledge while strengthening existing capabilities
• Independence: Demonstrated ability to work independently and identify opportunities for self-development
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desired Skills

• Science-driven team experience: Experience contributing to a science-driven team
• Additional automation platforms: Experience with Lynx, Biomek, EVOware, or WinPREP
• Programming or software skills: Experience with Green Button Go, Momentum, or Cellario, or programming languages such as Python or C#
• Bench scientist background: Familiarity with bioprocess development and experience working as a bench scientist
• Leadership: Experience in line management
• Global collaboration: Experience working in a global team

At AstraZeneca, we push the boundaries of science to change the practice of medicine and transform the lives of patients living with cancer. With one of the broadest and deepest Immunology pipelines in the industry, there are many opportunities to work with new and novel drugs. Our collaborative environment empowers us to take smart risks, challenge the norm, and learn from failures. We are united in our vision to make bold moves that truly improve patient outcomes. 

Join us in our mission to make a meaningful difference for patients around the world! 

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $116,284.00 - $174,426.00. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.