Director, Digital Automation

Site Name: USA - Pennsylvania - Upper Providence, UK - Hertfordshire - Stevenage
Posted Date: Jul 4 2025

Job Title: Director Digital Automation, RTech Automation US or UK, DAPS

Job Overview: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is seeking a dynamic and innovative Digital Automation Leader for our new RTech Automation team within Data Automation & Predictive Sciences (DAPS) in our Research Technologies (RTech) division. RTech Automation will spearhead the integration of automation technologies into our scientific workflows to deliver biology and data at scale. A critical component of RTech's vision as a technology-driven leader in target discovery and molecule design is the establishment of an integrated design-generate-analyze-model-predict cycle within DAPS, supported by this centralized Automation/Engineering team. This team will transform RTech by deploying cutting-edge lab automation and robotics at global sites, serving as a center for expertise and support to align strategies and maximize automation investments.

This role is pivotal in driving the digital transformation of our research processes through automation and advanced technology integration. The successful candidate will lead efforts to enhance productivity, efficiency, and data generation and accuracy within our research teams by leveraging cutting-edge digital tools and automation solutions. The successful candidate will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to identify and prioritize opportunities to implement new digital approaches to enable automated data generation, analysis, and archival.  The role will be responsible for the collaborative configuration of data pipelines, integration with IT systems, and the deployment of necessary tools within GSK’s data ecosystem to facilitate connectivity to enterprise systems.  In addition, the Digital Automation team will pioneer utilization of digital tools (including but not limited to Digital Twins and Data Orchestration Software) to enhance accessibility and user experience for scientists across RTech. 

This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of pharmaceutical research at GSK.

This role will report to the Head of RTech Automation UK/US and will join the new RTech Automation Leadership Team to shape our vision and strategy in automating drug discovery workflows, while also providing technical expertise. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for digital automation within Research Technologies, aligning with GSK's broader digital transformation goals.
• Lead the planning, design, development, and deployment of digital automated solutions that improve research workflows, data management, and experimental processes. 
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of digital automation solutions, continuously seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation to deliver robust, annotated data to AIML colleagues for analysis. 
• Provide training and support to research teams on the use of new digital tools and automation systems.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to maintain GSK's competitive edge in digital automation.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Research Technologies division.
• Build partnerships with external vendors and other partners to evaluate and implement new digital automation technologies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a relevant scientific subject area; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in digital automation, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

• Proven track record of leading digital transformation projects and implementing automation solutions in a research or laboratory setting.

• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), and commercial digital orchestration software. 
• Experience with cloud computing platforms and services (e.g., AWS, Azure).
• Proven expertise in automation technologies, including robotics, AI, machine learning, and data analytics.
• Track record of team leadership, with a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards related to digital automation in pharmaceutical research.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, C#, or Java.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data visualization tools.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.

If you are passionate about leveraging digital automation to drive innovation and efficiency in pharmaceutical research, we invite you to join our team at GSK and help shape the future of healthcare. Apply now and be part of a company that is dedicated to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better, and live longer.