Senior Scientist Automation

Location: Gaithersburg, MD Duration: 6 months w/possibility of extension or conversion, based on performance and business need Pay: $55-60 per hour Description: AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist – High throughput automation to support our Viral Vector Process Development team. This individual will play a critical role in establishing and advancing high-throughput, automated development platforms that accelerate process development for AstraZeneca’s emerging Cell Therapy modalities portfolio. The successful candidate will lead the build, implementation, and optimization of automated workflows utilizing liquid handling systems, robotic platforms, and high-throughput analytical technologies to enable rapid process screening, characterization, and optimization of viral vector downstream processes. Working collaboratively with Process Development, Analytical Development, Data Science, Manufacturing, Quality, and external technology partners, you will help transform process development through smart automation, digitalization, and advanced analytics. Key Responsibilities: • Automated Process Development Platforms • Design, develop, and implement automated workflows using liquid handling systems and robotic platforms to support viral vector downstream process development activities. • Establish automated methods for high-throughput screening of chromatography, filtration, buffer optimization, and process characterization studies. • Develop scalable automation strategies that improve experimental throughput, data quality, and reproducibility. • High-Throughput Analytics Integration • Integrate high-throughput in-process analytical technologies into automated workflows to enable rapid assessment of critical process parameters and product quality attributes. • Establish workflows connecting liquid handlers with analytical instruments, including plate readers, automated sampling systems, particle characterization platforms, and other process analytical technologies. • Data Management & Digitalization • Develop automated data collection, integration, and reporting tools to streamline experimental workflows. • Collaborate with automation and data science teams to enable data visualization • Cross-Functional Collaboration • Work closely with downstream process development scientists, analytical development teams, automation teams, digital and data sciences. • Provide training and technical support to end users of automation platforms. Qualifications: Education: • B.S. or M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biotechnology, Computer Engineering, or related discipline. • M.S. with 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or B.S. with 4+ years of relevant industry experience. Experience: • Hands-on experience developing and operating laboratory automation systems in biopharmaceutical, gene therapy, cell therapy, biologics, or related industries. • Experience of Tecan liquid handling platform is required. • Experience supporting process development, analytical development, or high-throughput screening applications. • Knowledge of laboratory automation software, workflow orchestration, and instrument integration is preferred. • Experience with high-throughput experimentation, automated sample preparation, and analytical workflows. • Understanding of downstream bioprocessing operations including chromatography, filtration, UF/DF, and viral vector purification is preferred. • Communication & Collaboration • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to work effectively within cross-functional and matrixed teams. • Demonstrated problem-solving, troubleshooting, and project management capabilities.