Automation Specialist/Senior Scientist

We are seeking a Senior Scientist to join the Assay, Profiling & Cell Sciences team within Discovery Sciences. In this role, your expertise in automation, programming and AI will play a key role in accelerating drug discovery. The position is based at our vibrant AstraZeneca R&D site in Gothenburg, Sweden. In this lab-based role, you will implement, integrate, and maintain high-throughput screening systems to generate in vitro pharmacology data for compound profiling in cellular models. You will support multiple drug discovery projects across therapeutic areas, ensuring robust data quality, scalability, and operational excellence. What you'll do? This is a lab-based role, and you will be responsible for our automation and will be a key enabler for early structure-activity relationship (SAR) profiling, partnering closely with experimental scientists to deliver high-quality data on agreed timelines. Your engineering mindset, good communication and team-working skills will help solve scientific challenges and advance projects. We offer a dynamic, learning-rich environment that encourages creative thinking, bold decision-making, and a culture where we learn fast without fear of failure. Typical accountabilities will include: * Automation ownership: Implement, operate, and maintain screening platforms and laboratory hardware (e.g., liquid handlers/dispensers, plate readers, robotics) to deliver reliable, scalable workflows. * Workflow integration: Integrate diverse hardware and software, standardize processes, and improve throughput and data quality. * Programming and scripting: Develop and maintain scripts/methods for instrument control, data capture, and workflow automation; contribute to AI/algorithmic approaches where relevant. * Process improvement: Identify bottlenecks, optimize protocols, and introduce continuous improvement practices and documentation. * Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve technical issues independently; ensure timely data delivery aligned to project milestones. * Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with laboratory scientists and project teams in Discovery Sciences, Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism (CVRM) and Respiratory & Immunology (R&I) in Gothenburg and globally, supporting drug discovery programs. Essential requirements for the role: * MSc or PhD in engineering with an automation specialization, or equivalent training/experience * Hands-on operation and maintenance of high-throughput laboratory automation systems and liquid handling platforms * Proficiency in programming for instrument control, workflow automation, and data capture * Demonstrated ability to integrate hardware and software and standardize workflows in a lab environment * Excellent communication skills and an ability to operate effectively in multi-disciplinary research environments * Independent troubleshooting and decision making to diagnose and resolve technical issues Desirable requirements for the role: * Experience in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or in vitro pharmacology * Experience in lab automation or related engineering roles within R&D, biotech, or pharma settings * Experience with common automation platforms, liquid handlers, plate readers, and robotic arms * Familiarity with scheduling software and LIMS/ELN systems * Knowledge of AI/ML methods for workflow optimization or data quality assurance; experience with basic data pipelines * Experience with continuous improvement and lab safety/quality practices Why AstraZeneca At AstraZeneca, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are committed to treating, preventing, modifying and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. Our team is driven by our desire to understand and reveal new insights. We are always learning from those living with diseases and harnessing digital, data science & AI to fast-forward our research. Join us as we push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. What's next? If this sounds like the place and role for you - apply today We look forward to getting to know you better Welcome with your application no later than January 6, 2026. For more information about the position, please contact hiring manager Linda Sundström at linda.sundstrom@astrazeneca.com. Please note: Due to the holiday season, our response to your application may take longer than usual. Thank you for your patience-we will follow up when we return in January.