Senior Scientist, Automation Scientist/Programmer

Job Description

Senior Scientist, Automation Scientist/Programmer

Location: Waltham, MA

Do you have a passion for Science? 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 their unmet 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.

Summary of the Group

Biologics Engineering (BE) is large global organization with teams in Gaithersburg MD, Cambridge, UK and now expanding to Waltham, MA. BE is responsible for the discovery and optimization of next generation biologics to create biological drug candidates for all key therapeutic areas such as oncology, respiratory and inflammation, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases.

Our Waltham team is a new team we are building from the ground up to support both our global responsibilities as well as building an innovation center where we can push the boundaries of sciences and creativity. We're constantly pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients, with a passion for the development of in-house biologics discovery platforms and novel drug modalities to address unmet medical needs.

Minimum Experience and Education Requirements:

• 5+ years of relevant experience Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology,
• 3 years of experience with a Master’s degree, especially if paired with direct experience in biologics or laboratory automation

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Program automation equipment such as liquid handlers and other automated work cells. You will design, implement, and maintain digital solutions that automate repetitive tasks within our business or technology environments.

By analyzing existing procedures, you will identify opportunities for increased efficiency and create robust systems using scripts, frameworks, or commercial tools. You will also collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate these solutions, provide ongoing support, and ensure their reliability and scalability.

Daily activities include:

• Writing and maintaining code, configuring digital platforms, conducting system tests, troubleshooting issues, and documenting technical processes. You will participate in technical reviews and contribute to the continuous improvement of standards and best practices in workflow optimization.

• Ability to solve process development problems and implement improved procedures.

• Highly collaborative.

• Agile in thinking and research techniques.

Required Skills

• Liquid Handling and automated work cells.

• Strong experience in process analysis and workflow enhancement using scripting or programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript, Bash, or PowerShell)

• Solid knowledge of tools and frameworks for task automation in relevant domains (such as CI/CD systems, RPA platforms, or test automation suites)

• Familiarity with version control systems and agile software development methodologies

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment and convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience)

Desired Skills

• Experience working in a biological research and development laboratory.

• Prior experience designing and deploying solutions that digitize manual processes in an enterprise setting

• Working knowledge of cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and related automation capabilities

• Exposure to quality assurance, DevOps, and monitoring practices

Site Location

Our Waltham, MA facility builds life-changing medicines for people around the world. The modern, vibrant scientific campus employs more than 800 experts in our field, and it is only a short drive from Boston, MA. With a shuttle bus to and from Alewife station, the location provides you the ability to work in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant research centers. It is filled with innovative technology. Our work areas were built to facilitate teamwork, interaction and cross functional science. We believe employees benefit from being challenged and inspired at work.

Our Waltham site offers a variety of amenities to help book productivity and help keep our employees happy and engaged. This includes a fitness center, employee healthcare clinic, electric vehicle charging stations, full-service cafeteria, and copy center. This is where you’ll find newly designed, activity-based workspaces to suit a variety of working styles while increasing collaboration between teams and the greater research community.

As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026.

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Why AstraZeneca?

At AstraZeneca, we challenge the status quo and pursue science-led innovation to transform lives. Our diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking culture encourages collaboration and creativity across disciplines to deliver life-changing medicines to patients around the world.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary, annual bonus, and long-term incentive programs
• Generous paid time off and comprehensive benefits package
• A collaborative, high-impact team environment that values your growth and contributions

Follow Us

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Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. AstraZeneca encourages applications from all qualified individuals and provides reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process as needed.

Date Posted

30-Jun-2025

Closing Date

30-Jul-2025Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.