Laboratory Automation Lead

Zoetis•Kalamazoo, MI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Zoetis is the global leader in animal health, developing innovative pharmaceutical products across the full spectrum of veterinary care. Zoetis is currently recruiting a Laboratory Automation Lead for its world-class Veterinary Medicine Research and Development (VMRD) organization. In this role, the successful candidate will lead a team responsible for the development and implementation of laboratory automation solutions within the Automation & Data Sciences (ADS) group. The position will build on ADS’s industry-leading capabilities and help shape the next generation of assay automation at Zoetis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering field with a minimum of 6 years’ industry experience.
Extensive experience programming at least one of the relevant liquid handlers on the market.
Ability to understand end-user experience and design user focused software interfaces.
Experience in integrating automation instrumentation with inventory management systems.
Experience with the development, validation, and maintenance of liquid handler liquid classes.
Strong background in streamlining workflows and developing automated laboratory processes from the collection of requirements through to implementation and support.
Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills required to interact with colleagues, stakeholders, and vendors.
Wet lab experience with attention to detail and desire to be a hands-on team member.

Nice To Haves

MS Degree in a science or engineering field.
Experience managing a team of 3+ colleagues preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead laboratory automation initiatives by partnering with scientific teams to understand workflows, translate needs into clear requirements, and oversee delivery from planning through execution.
Own operational excellence for existing automated workflows by establishing support routines, monitoring performance, prioritizing improvements, and driving enhancements to increase reliability and throughput.
Guide technology evaluation and strategy by assessing new assay automation capabilities, synthesizing findings, and informing VMRD’s automation roadmap and investment decisions.
Set quality and maintenance processes by defining routine instrument QC standards, ensuring adherence, and coordinating preventive maintenance.
Enable teams through coaching and support by training end users, building documentation and escalation paths, and ensuring sustained adoption of automated workflows.
Manage external partnerships by effectively leveraging vendors, integrators, and other outside resources to accelerate development and reduce delivery risk.
Drive cross-functional alignment by convening automation stakeholders, clarifying roles and decisions, and ensuring consistent practices and priorities across VMRD.