Associate Director, US Sample Management & Automation

Overview

Glaxo Smith Kline  (GSK) is seeking an experienced Associate Director in Sample Management & Automation to join the Data Automation & Predictive Sciences (DAPS) organization within Research & Development Technologies (R&DTech). This team is responsible for integrating automation technologies into scientific workflows to deliver biology and data at scale.

A critical component of R&DTech’s vision is the establishment of an integrated design–generate–analyze–model–predict cycle within DAPS, supported by a centralized Automation Engineering team.

• Build strong partnerships and collaborate with leaders across the organization to deploy laboratory automation and sample management solutions aligned to key business priorities.
• Operate effectively within global, matrixed teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment and promoting an automation mindset.
• Collaborate with research leaders, scientists, IT, and engineering teams to define requirements and develop automation and sample management solutions in partnership with integration vendors.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of automation and sample management platforms supporting research objectives at the Cambridge site.
• Oversee the application of sample management and automation systems (hardware and software) supporting oligonucleotide platforms, ensuring data flow and system interoperability.
• Ensure automation platforms meet reliability, scalability, security, and safety requirements in accordance with industry standards and local regulations.
• Develop and maintain system documentation.
• Monitor emerging technologies and industry trends and contribute to GSK’s automation strategy.
• Build and maintain partnerships with external vendors and collaborators to evaluate and implement new automation technologies.
• Represent sample management and automation on cross‑disciplinary project teams.
• Role model compliance with GSK lifesaving rules, code of conduct, data integrity standards, and relevant policies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in automation and sample management, including experience working in a matrixed environment.
• Experience using automation and sample management technologies in a laboratory environment, including integrated platforms, standalone devices, and data management systems.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities concurrently.
• Experience identifying and resolving technical or operational issues.
• Experience communicating technical information to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of applicable safety requirements and industry standards related to automation in pharmaceutical or biotechnology research environments.
• Experience supporting liquid handling robotics (Tecan preferable, Lynx, Acoustic Technologies, etc.) to enable both sample management and oligos supply for in vitro and in vivo screening assays.
• Integrated automation platform experience, preferably with Cenevo Mosaic and High Res Cellario.
• Experience developing and supporting sample management workflows to enable timely delivery of samples to biological assays for internal and external stakeholders.

• Advanced degree.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and electronic lab notebooks (ELNs).
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, C#, or Java, and experience with scripting for automation.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms and services (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data visualization tools.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.

Annual base salary for new hires ranges from $149,325 to $248,875, depending on location and market factors. The position offers an annual bonus, eligibility to participate in a share‑based long‑term incentive program, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health‑care and other insurance benefits for employees and families, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and medical leave.

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.