Laboratory Automation Lead

Zoetis • Kalamazoo, MI

7d • 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level