Senior Automation Engineer, High-Throughput Screening

Job Description Summary

The high‑throughput biology group in Novartis San Diego is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to join the Advanced Automation Technologies group. The primary responsibility of this role is to operate, maintain, and continuously improve high‑throughput screening systems that support small‑molecule drug discovery. In addition to core screening operations, this role will contribute to the longer‑term evolution of lab‑in‑the‑loop capabilities, including chemistry automation and integration with data and AI systems. The Senior Automation Engineer will work closely with biologists, chemists, engineers, and data scientists to support day‑to‑day discovery needs while helping advance next‑generation automation platforms.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on automation engineer who enjoys running complex systems, troubleshooting real experimental workflows, and making practical improvements to how experiments are executed and connected.

 

Job Description

Internal Job Title: Senior Automation Engineer

Position Location: onsite, San Diego, CA. Given the hands‑on nature of the work and close collaboration with lab teams, this role is on‑site in San Diego and not open to remote or hybrid arrangements. Regular physical presence in the lab is an essential requirement. #LI-onsite

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate, support, and maintain high‑throughput screening systems for small‑molecule discovery

• Ensure reliable execution of automated workflows, including system setup, calibration, and troubleshooting

• Partner with biologists and assay scientists to support screening campaigns and evolving experimental needs

• Diagnose workflow issues, interpret system performance data, and communicate findings to technical stakeholders

• Contribute to the design and improvement of chemistry‑adjacent and lab‑in‑the‑loop workflows

• Support integration between automation systems, data infrastructure, and AI/ML tools

• Develop and maintain automation scripts using Python or similar languages

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent experience

• 5+ years of relevant experience

• Hands‑on experience with laboratory automation and automated experimental systems, ideally in a screening environment

• Proficiency in Python or similar programming languages

• Experience with system scheduling software, scripting, and basic database concepts

• Strong troubleshooting skills and comfort operating complex, integrated systems

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Highly Desirable Skills:

• Experience with chemistry-enabling or automated synthesis workflows

• Familiarity with liquid handling, acoustic transfer, analytical integration, and microplate‑based systems

• Exposure to lab‑in‑the‑loop or closed‑loop experimentation

• Experience interfacing automation systems with data pipelines or AI/ML tools

The salary for this position is expected to range between $93,800 and $174,200 per year. The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

 

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

 

Salary Range

$93,800.00 - $174,200.00

 

Skills Desired

Application Software, Automation, Automation Testing, Control System, Debugging, Engineering, Hmi (Human-Machine Interface), Plc (Programmable Logic Controller), Problem Solving Skills, Programming Languages, Python (Programming Language), Robotic Process Automation (Rpa), Robotics, Software Testing, Technical Support, Test Automation, Test Cases, Test Engineer, Vb (Visual Basic)