Job Description

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Scientific Leader, Automation Operations UK
GSK is seeking a dynamic and innovative Automation Operations Lead for our new Automation team within Data Automation & Predictive Sciences (DAPS) in our Research Technologies (RTech) division. RTech Automation will spearhead the integration of automation technologies into our scientific workflows to deliver biology and data at scale. A critical component of RTech's vision as a technology-driven leader in target discovery and molecule design is the establishment of an integrated design-generate-analyze-model-predict cycle within DAPS, supported by this centralized Automation/Engineering team. This team will transform RTech by deploying cutting-edge lab automation and robotics at global sites, serving as a center for expertise and support to align strategies and maximize automation investments.
The Automation Operations Lead will be pivotal in driving the transformation of our research processes through automation and advanced technology integration. The successful candidate will train and lead a team of contingent workers to enhance productivity, efficiency, and data generation within our research teams by leveraging cutting-edge automation solutions. Furthermore, the position will require close collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure the efficient operations of integrated lab automation platforms across RTech.
The Scientific Leader, Automation Operations will play an important part in shaping our vision and strategy in automating drug discovery workflows, while also providing technical expertise and leadership. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of pharmaceutical research at GSK.
Key Responsibilities
In this role you will:

• Develop and implement a strategic approach for coordinated automation operations within Research Technologies, aligning with GSK's broader automation and digitization goals.
• Lead a team of contingent workers to operate to enhance productivity, efficiency, and data generation within our research teams by leveraging cutting-edge automation solutions.
• Support deployment of automated solutions that improve research workflows, data management, and experimental processes.
• Provide training and support to both scientific research partners and automation operations team on use of automation scheduling and integrated physical lab systems.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to maintain GSK's competitive edge in automation. Fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Research Technologies division.
• Build partnerships with external vendors and other partners to evaluate and implement new automation technologies.

Why you?
Basic Qualifications & Skills:
We are looking for professionals with these required skills to achieve our goals:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or Life Sciences discipline and extensive experience in integrated automation operations within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

• Proven track record of implementing automation solutions in a research laboratory setting.
• High degree of expertise in lab automation scheduling software including industry standards such as GreenButtonGo, Cellario, and Momentum.

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically and creatively
• Track record of matrix leadership, with a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
Please note the following skills are not necessary, just preferred, if you do not have them, please still apply:

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to pharmaceutical research.
• Understanding of technologies including AI, machine learning, orchestration, and data analytics.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), and commercial digital orchestration software.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, C#, or Java.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data visualization tools.

If you are passionate about leveraging automation to drive innovation and efficiency in pharmaceutical research, we invite you to join our team at GSK and help shape the future of healthcare. Apply now and be part of a company that is dedicated to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, and live longer.
Closing Date for Applications - 26th January 2026
Please take a copy of the , as this will not be available post closure of the advert.
When applying for this role, please use the 'cover letter' of the online application or your CV to describe how you meet the competencies for this role, as outlined in the job requirements above. The information that you have provided in your cover letter and CV will be used to assess your application.
At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people's lives. GSK fosters a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, making sure that we focus our efforts on accelerating significant assets that meet patients' needs and have the highest probability of success. We're uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together.
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Why GSK?
Uniting science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together.
GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade, as a successful, growing company where people can thrive.
We get ahead of disease by preventing and treating it with innovation in specialty medicines and vaccines. We focus on four therapeutic areas: respiratory, immunology and inflammation; oncology; HIV; and infectious diseases - to impact health at scale.
People and patients around the world count on the medicines and vaccines we make, so we're committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and focus on what matters most. Our culture of being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and doing the right thing is the foundation for how, together, we deliver for patients, shareholders and our people.
GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.
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