Digital Automation Technology Lead

We have an exciting opportunity for a Digital Automation Technology Lead to drive the convergence of traditional automation data technologies and AI agent orchestration to enable self-driving lab environments and autonomous E2E workflows globally as part of our Digital Automation & Process Innovation team. Within the role you will support new R&D centers projects as a point of reference for data-focused automation technology topics.

You will translate standards and architectures into scalable locally deployed solutions while pioneering new paradigms where AI agents coordinate instruments interpret results and autonomously drive experimental and operational workflows. Key responsibilities will include:

• Architecting and implementing the automation backbone for self-driving lab capabilities - closed-loop systems where AI agents plan experiments trigger instruments capture data interpret results and iterate without manual intervention.
• Collaborating with scientists and R&D teams to identify high-value workflows suitable for autonomous operation and progressive levels of self-driving maturity.
• Acting as the primary point of contact while owning the local relationship with scientists lab managers and process engineers to ensure data-driven automation needs are captured prioritised and addressed in alignment with the global hub.
• Owning the end-to-end delivery of high-complexity global initiatives taking full accountability for technical decision-making and outcomes and cross-functional guidelines to ensure best practice and compliance with Digital Automation & IoT principles.
• Lead PoC and prototyping initiatives to evaluate innovative solutions (e.g. image processing OT/IIoT lab & pilot plant data orchestration).
• Co-owning the technical roadmap or components thereof for digital automation R&D capabilities - i.e. data capture automation workflow automation and hyperautomation.
• Driving the implementation of prioritised digital and data automation projects that drive standardisation to enable FAIR data practices and have positive impact on cross-functional effectiveness & productivity.
• Representing R&D in complex strategic initiatives collaborating effectively across regions and with external stakeholders to ensure solutions are strategically aligned and technically robust while partnering with data scientists AI/ML engineers and IT platform teams to ensure cohesive and strategic solution delivery.
• Contributing to the Digital Automation technology strategic roadmap with a forward-looking view on core capabilities by providing expertise and technical leadership to the global R&D community.
• Supporting capability building across local teams on agent-augmented automation prompt engineering for orchestration and self-driving lab concepts.

Qualifications :

What we are looking for

• Degree in Engineering Computer Science Automation Robotics or related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in automation engineering projects OT/IT integration and relevant data capture platforms (e.g. Tetra Science Zontal).
• Strong hands-on knowledge in Python and at least one of the following: workflow orchestration and orchestration platforms instrument integration PLC/SCADA data pipeline tooling.
• Understanding of AI/ML concepts and practical experience applying them to process or lab automation.
• Experience designing systems where multiple autonomous components coordinate goals.
• Understanding of E2E process workflows in R&D manufacturing or process development environments.
• Proven ability to work in a matrixed hub & spoke or centre-of-excellence model across global teams.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience with agent frameworks (e.g. Lang Chain/Lang Graph Auto Gen CrewAI or custom orchestration).
• Exposure to self-driving lab concepts closed-loop experimentation or autonomous research platforms (orchestration capabilities).
• Experience with IoT platforms edge computing or historian systems (e.g. OSIsoft PI Aveva).
• Knowledge of robotic process automation.
• Familiarity with digital twins and simulation-driven optimization.
• Knowledge of GxP data integrity and compliance in regulated environments.
• Experience in Life Sciences Crop Protection or Chemical/Pharma R&D settings.

Additional Information :

Our site

Jealotts Hill International Research Centre UK is situated in pleasant semi-rural surroundings between Bracknell and Maidenhead and is the place of work for approximately 800 Syngenta scientists and support staff. Jealotts Hill is one of the main global research and development sites and key activities include research into discovery of new active ingredients new formulation technologies product safety and technical support of our product range.

What we offer

• Extensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme bonus scheme private medical & life insurance.
• Up to 31.5 days annual holiday.
• Campus environment.
• A position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating and international environment.
• The chance to work with and learn from highly…