Automation Software Engineer / Application Specialist

at  AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business whose innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. We are committed to making a meaningful difference to patient health through great medicines that bring benefit for patients and add value for our stakeholders and society.
We are seeking an experienced Automation Software Engineer / Application Specialist to join our multidisciplinary Chemistry Automation team at the AstraZeneca site in Gothenburg, Sweden. With your expertise and skills, you will play a vital role in advancing our automated compound synthesis platform. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in working with hard- and/or software of laboratory automation technologies used in pharmaceutical research, a good understanding of the scientific disciplines needed in drug discovery and a proven record of successfully implementing, operating, and troubleshooting automation software.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in a science or engineering field with minimum of 3 years of experience in developing software for automated laboratories in a life sciences field.
• Highly proficient in C# or other programming languages and frameworks (e.g .NET, Python, Java etc.)
• Experience of integrating software with laboratory instruments, robots, or automation workcells.
• Excellent communication skills to be able to both convey complex technical descripts to non-experts and understand vice-versa.

BENEFICIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of object-oriented programming; software architecture and design patterns, including cloud-based platforms.
• Experience with programming standards or paradigms such as RestFUL APIs, SOAP, OPC UA, JSON, XML, SQL etc.
• Experience with scheduling, orchestrator, or LIMS software (e.g., HighRes Cellario, Biosero Green Button Go, Titian Mosaic, Thermo Fisher SampleManager, etc.).
• Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and drug discovery process.

You will join and support the Chemistry Automation team (iLAB) within the Compound Synthesis & Management department which overall is focusing on making and processing chemical compounds using innovative science and technology that accelerates the discovery of novel medicines to impact patients’ lives. The department has no less ambition than to be a pioneer and industry leader in the application of laboratory automation technologies for both the synthesis of chemical compounds and their subsequent processing into the drug discovery workflow. In this team you will be able to use your experience and skills to ensure that Chemistry Automation in combination with AI will contribute significantly to the aimed accelerated discovery of novel medicines.

Key responsibilities:

• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team of synthetic and analytical chemists, automation engineers, and software developers, to create a world-leading autonomous chemical synthesis laboratory.
• Work with automation workcell software and equipment to design and implement complex device integrations, as well as troubleshoot and optimize existing automation protocols in chemical drug discovery.
• Evaluate and carry out critical analysis of new software and other tools or technologies, to improve the quality and efficiency of automated laboratory processes.
• Travel to external partners to participate in regular update meetings and factory acceptance tests.