Head of Automation and Lab System

Work Location: Billerica, Massachusetts
Shift: No
Department: EF-ST-I AIDD
Recruiter:Anthony Johnson

This information is for internals only. Please do not share outside of the organization.

AI & Automation in Drug Discovery (AIDD) at EMD Biotech is building and scaling AI-driven and automated discovery capabilities. We connect machine learning, computational science, and lab automation to enable closed-loop chemistry and biology experimentation and faster, higher-quality scientific decisions. In our Boston-area autonomous make-and-test lab, automated synthesis, analytical characterization, and biological readout come together to accelerate discovery.

Your role:

We are currently hiring a Head of Automation and Lab Systems to lead the automation engineering and lab systems capability for AIDD in Billerica, MA. This role owns the automation platform roadmap across lab design, equipment selection and procurement, workcell architecture, commissioning, validation, and steady-state operations. You will lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, set technical standards, and partner across chemistry, biology, software, AI/ML, facilities, EHS, IT, procurement, and external vendors to scale a safe, reliable, and high-impact autonomous discovery environment.

• 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.

Location

This is an on-site role in Billerica, MA requiring a weekly onsite presence. Travel is expected to be occasional and primarily related to vendor visits, equipment selection, factory testing, or key project milestones.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Requirements:

• 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.

What we offer

• 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.

Join us and bring your curiosity to life!

Pay Range:$159,300-$220,100

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information clickhere.

The Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, transgender status, marital status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and programs relating to recruitment and hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Any applicant or employee who believes they have been discriminated against by the Company or anyone acting on behalf of the Company must report any concerns to their Human Resources Business Partner, Legal, or Compliance immediately. The Company will not retaliate against any individual because they made a good faith report of discrimination.