Laboratory Automation Specialist

Are you a chemical engineer, synthesis chemist or analytical chemist with practical experience of using laboratory automation technologies for setting up and running chemistry experiments? Are you interested in becoming part of a growing team focusing on the autonomous synthesis of bioactive molecules at a company where we are committed to lifelong learning, growth, and development? Welcome to AstraZeneca!

We are seeking a Laboratory Automation Specialist with multiple years of experience in translating scientific needs to automated workflows, ideally within an industrial life sciences environment. As a Laboratory Automation Specialist, you will play a meaningful part in our Chemistry Automation team focusing on building an industry-leading end-to-end chemistry automation platform. In this multidisciplinary, multinational team you can drive and advance our chemistry automation capabilities at AstraZeneca in Gothenburg, Sweden.

What you will do:
The successful candidate will be an expert in diverse lab automation systems and will have a track record of successfully applying automation technologies to the execution of scientific experiments. You will be working with a team of synthesis and analytical chemists, IT colleagues and hardware developers to build a platform for 24/7 automated compound synthesis and purification. During the platform building phase, you are one of the technical leads for the design and deployment of the chemistry automation modules and end-to-end integration. This includes participation in Factory and Site Acceptance Tests (FAT, SAT).

During and after production platform commissioning you will oversee the automation maintenance schedule and collaborate with team members for instrument maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting - and minimize instrument down time. You will need to develop and train automation experts within the chemistry labs including guidance for scripting and troubleshooting new automation protocols. And independently develop and implement new automated protocols to support the autonomous compound synthesis as needed. Engaging with chemistry community for maximum usage of the platform will also be an accountability.

Essential in the role:
You're a laboratory automation specialist with a track record of accomplishments of applying innovative hard- and/or software solutions to challenging projects. You also have:

* University degree in engineering, chemistry or biology.
* Minimum five years of experience in working with laboratory automation.
* Successfully designed and implemented integrated automation workflows.
* Hands-on experience with automation software, e.g. LIMS, schedulers, orchestrators.
* A very strong interest in developing novel approaches and technologies for automated compound synthesis and purification.

Beneficial in the role:

* Basic programming skills in e.g., C#, Python.
* Good understanding of organic chemistry and some degree of practical experience in the synthesis of new compounds.
* Good knowledge and understanding of recent developments in chemistry automation.

The successful candidate should be motivated to work in a collaborative team and have the ability to work across scientific fields to drive project success. You should have a high scientific drive and a long-term commitment and engagement to advancing chemistry automation as an innovative tool in drug discovery.

Why AstraZeneca?
Join the team unlocking the power of what science can do. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. Here we can grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of billions of patients worldwide. Thrive in a place where the brightest and most curious minds seamlessly come together in our inclusive environment.

So, what is next? If this sounds like the job and place for you - apply today!

You are welcome with your application but send it to us no later than 9th June, 2023.

For more information about the position please contact Dr Michael Kossenjans, Director Chemistry and Head of AZ Chemistry Automation at michael.kossenjans@astrazeneca.com.

Additional information:
Our Gothenburg site: https://www.astrazeneca.com/our-science/gothenburg.html
Life in Gothenburg: https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
About BioPharmaceuticals R&D: https://www.astrazeneca.com/r-d.html
This is our Discovery Sciences community: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSu2Z7wpC_w