Lab Robotics Manager

At GSK, we have bold ambitions for patients, aiming to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of the decade. Our R&D focuses on discovering and delivering vaccines and medicines, combining our understanding of the immune system with cutting-edge technology to transform people’s lives. We foster a culture ambitious for patients, accountable for impact, and committed to doing the right thing, ensuring our efforts accelerate significant assets that meet patients’ needs and have the highest probability of success.

About the role

The Lab Robotics Manager will act as a key enabler for the automation of the Scientific Area, Vx CL&AP, and DDS laboratories in a fast-evolving technological environment. This role will drive the delivery of high-throughput lab equipment and high-tech instruments to meet increased clinical test read-out needs and accelerate the R&D projects pipeline. The incumbent will contribute to designing systems that maximize capacity and unlock the full scientific potential of generated data, ensuring disciplined project execution and continuous adaptation of ways of working. This role requires collaboration with stakeholders such as Quality, Computer System Validation, Tech, Procurement, and R&D scientific platforms to define technology standards, identify cost-saving opportunities, and accelerate scientific results. The Lab Robotics Manager will be accountable for the design, deployment, and lifecycle management of lab robotics systems, upholding the highest standards in quality and data integrity while managing personnel and interacting with a broad range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key contributor to the R&D lab technology strategy by exploring new opportunities in the external environment.
• Perform prioritization, disciplined project execution, and adapt ways of working to provide best-in-class technical solutions and maintain service levels throughout the lifecycle of lab robotics systems.
• Serve as a technical expert in Automation and Robotics technologies, including Image Analysis (e.g., bacteria colony counting), Liquid Handling (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Eppendorf equipment), and Automated Tube Labelling Systems.
• Ensure Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) requirements are always met with zero compromises.
• Lead end-to-end laboratory automation and robotics project delivery, including preparation, execution, risk management, budget monitoring, and stakeholder management.
• Design systems with maximal value for R&D scientists, ensuring ease of implementation in the internal OT network and straightforward deployment or replication.
• Set standards for the quality of technical solutions to ensure minimal downtime over their lifetime and define appropriate support models per technology type.
• Ensure the quality and robustness of technical solutions to maximize system uptime and minimize business disruptions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders such as Quality, Computer System Validation, Engineering, Tech, EHS, Procurement, and R&D scientific platforms to define technology standards, identify cost-saving opportunities, and accelerate scientific results.
• Manage, coordinate, and supervise external partners throughout the entire system’s lifecycle.
• Maximize investment value for GSK while negotiating with external partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Automation.
• Laboratory technology and/or automation experience in large companies, preferably in a pharmaceutical or regulated environment.
• Experience in supporting and managing automation projects.
• 4+ years of experience in a pharmaceutical or regulated R&D environment, with a focus on delivering automation solutions or services to laboratories.
• Experience in technology projects delivery (hardware and/or applications).
• Experience in performance, risk, and quality management.
• 2+ years of experience in people management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Automation.
• Strong understanding of automation and robotics technologies, as well as computer programming and software development.
• Strong analytical mindset to synthesize complex data into cost-effective solutions or actionable recommendations.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills to interact at all organizational levels, including senior management, and lead without hierarchical authority.
• Ability to coach and inspire team members.
• Mental agility to work effectively in a rapidly changing environment.

Work Model

This role is hybrid, requiring regular work in Cambridge, MA, and collaboration with colleagues across regions.

Skills

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Business Analysis
• Data Analysis
• Data Mining
• Digital Fluency
• Organization Transformation
• Product Development
• Project Management
• Security System Design

Pay

For candidates based in Cambridge, MA; Waltham, MA; Rockville, MD; or San Francisco, CA, the annual base salary for this position ranges from $119,625 to $199,375. The salary range considers factors such as work location, skills, experience, education level, and market rate. This position also offers an annual bonus and eligibility to participate in a share-based long-term incentive program, dependent on the role level.

Benefits

• Health care and other insurance benefits (for employee and family).
• Retirement benefits.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and paid caregiver/parental and medical leave.