Head of Automation and Lab System

Position

Head of Automation and Lab Systems – AI & Automation in Drug Discovery (AIDD) at EMD Biotech

Billerica, MA – On-site role (weekly presence required). Occasional travel for vendor visits and project milestones.

• Lead, coach, and grow a high‑performing automation and lab systems team, including hiring, goal setting, performance management, and talent development.
• Own automation lab design, equipment strategy, vendor selection, procurement, and lifecycle planning for new capabilities, upgrades, and replacement needs.
• Define system architecture, interoperability standards, and operating models across workcells, transports, analytical devices, utilities, and supporting data systems.
• Oversee commissioning, FAT/SAT, validation, change control, service readiness, and documentation for new and existing platforms.
• Partner with scientific, software, facilities, EHS, IT, and program teams to prioritize investments, resolve issues, and align execution with project goals.
• Drive a culture of safety, reliability, accountability, and low‑ego collaboration in a fast‑moving science and technology environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Life Sciences or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in laboratory automation, robotic workcells, or integrated lab systems in biotech, pharma, or a related industry.
• At least 3 years of direct people leadership, with a track record of building, mentoring, and retaining strong technical teams.
• Demonstrated experience with automation lab design, equipment procurement, vendor and integrator management, and capital planning.
• Strong understanding of workcell integration, orchestration software, instrument control, validation, and operational support models.
• Strong executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to influence across senior stakeholders and cross‑functional teams.
• Strong cultural fit for a collaborative, high‑performing, high‑trust team; you lead with ownership, humility, and decisive action.

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Robotics, Mechatronics, Chemistry, Life Sciences or a related field.
• Experience in autonomous or closed‑loop experimentation, small‑molecule synthesis, assay automation, or AI‑enabled discovery.
• Experience with custom instrument design, lab infrastructure planning, or multi‑site deployment and service models.

Pay range: $159,300 – $220,100 (base salary). Additional benefits include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites.

• Opportunity to shape the team, platform, and operating model for a leading autonomous discovery capability.
• Direct influence on how AI, automation, and experimental science are connected at scale.
• An interdisciplinary team that combines deep science, engineering, software, and data expertise with high trust and high standards.