AbbVie · 7 hours ago
Principal Research Scientist I, Automation Strategy Lead for Biologics CMC Development
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
6+ years expAbbVie is a company dedicated to discovering and delivering innovative medicines and solutions. They are seeking a Principal Automation Technology Strategy Lead to architect and implement the laboratory equipment automation roadmap for Biologics CMC Development, focusing on enhancing productivity and data quality.
BiotechnologyFinancial ServicesHealth CareMedicalPharmaceuticalVenture Capital
Responsibilities
Architect, lead, and implement the equipment automation roadmap at the Biologics CMC Development at AbbVie’s South San Francisco site, with influence extending across Cell Line, Cell Culture, Purification, Formulation, and Analytical Development
Lead cross-functional automation assessments and strategic prioritization exercises to identify workflow automation opportunities including but not limited to liquid handling, integrated data management, compound management, robotics, and equipment connectivity
Collaborate with equipment vendors, IT/digital teams, and data transformation initiatives to roadmap and orchestrate solutions maximizing interoperability, scalability, and future-readiness of the technology ecosystem
Oversee system uptime and performance, developing robust monitoring and continuous improvement processes; establish, track, and deliver on process improvement milestones
Identify, pilot, and scale automation technology solutions—including hardware, software, and integration strategies (Tecan, Hamilton, Lynx, Agilent, Opentron, etc.)—tailored to a rapidly evolving scientific environment
Collaborate closely with scientific leaders, technical experts, and bench scientists to map workflows, capture requirements, and deliver integrated automation solutions, balancing short- and long-term site objectives
Serve as the primary interface with compound management to streamline sample and data management systems, maximizing traceability, efficiency, and reliability
Understands the business implications of assigned projects and processes and identifies automation solutions compatible with business needs
Lead troubleshooting and problem-solving efforts for challenging or novel automation system failures, working closely with technology partners and vendors as needed
Act as a mentor and key resource for technical staff, supporting training, user acceptance testing, and the adoption of best practices across user groups
Connect AbbVie’s site teams with the global automation community—importing, adapting, and sharing innovations, standards, and lessons learned
Build relationships with vendors and technology partners; maintain awareness of industry trends and proactively evaluate new solutions for strategic fit
Ensure thorough documentation, compliance, and knowledge management consistent with AbbVie policies
Qualification
Required
Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, or related technical field with 14+(BS), 10+(MS), or 6+(PhD) years of experience
Minimum 6 years' progressive experience in laboratory automation strategy/implementation in a pharmaceutical, biotechnology or closely related environment
Proven record of delivering and maintaining integrated lab automation solutions including both hardware and software across platforms (liquid handlers, robotics, readers, etc.)
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional automation initiatives, from design and pilot phases through scaling and full integration into routine laboratory operations, with measurable impacts in system uptime, data quality, and process improvement
Hands-on experience with one or more liquid handling systems (Hamilton, Agilent, Tecan, Lynx, and/or Opentron) and managing high-volume data/sample workflows
Strong technical skills in system integration, scripting/coding, and mechanical troubleshooting
Record of measurable impact in performance improvements: system uptime, data quality, process metrics, and end-user satisfaction
Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and influencing abilities; demonstrated capacity to drive consensus and change in a matrixed, cross-functional environment
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, able to communicate across organizational levels
History of productive collaboration in a dynamic, fast-paced, cross-functional environment
Proactive participant/connector in automation professional networks within the broader automation community
Knowledge of compliance standards and documentation in regulated laboratory settings
Active participant in professional automation networks or external communities
Preferred
Experience delivering automated lab solutions specifically for one or more CMC development functions (Cell Line, Cell Culture, Purification, Formulation, and Analytical Development)
Demonstrated experience mentoring technical staff and/or prior management or team leadership experience
Benefits
Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
Medical/dental/vision insurance
401(k)
Company
AbbVie
AbbVie is a biopharmaceutical company focused on immunology, oncology, neuroscience, virology, and aesthetics. It is a sub-organization of AbbVie.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
AbbVie has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (273)
2024 (190)
2023 (225)
2022 (284)
2021 (186)
2020 (186)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$15B2024-02-27Post Ipo Debt· $15B
2023-03-08Post Ipo Equity· $0.25M
2012-12-20IPO
Leadership Team
Robert Michael
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Micah Bregman
Vice President, Global Strategy and Pipeline, Allergan Aesthetics
Recent News
Labiotech UG
2026-02-07
Pharma Letter
2026-02-06
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