Senior Automation Engineer, High-Throughput Screening

Novartis

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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

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

Nice To Haves

• 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

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

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees