Senior Scientist I - Automation Engineer

Location.

The actual location of this job is in Guangzhou, China.

We are looking for a talented and hands-on Automation Engineer to join our R&D team in Nansha, Guangzhou. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and operating automated experimental workflows and local digital interfaces that maximize high quality, structured data generation to support predictive modelling, optimization, and closed loop experimentation. Notably, the candidate will focus on workflow orchestration, system integration, data traceability and user interaction within automated laboratory environments, rather than on the mechanical design of robots.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about laboratory automation, who thrives in a collaborative environment. You will play a key role in deploying automation workflows that accelerate our chemistry innovation.

What you will get

• An agile career and dynamic working culture.
• An inclusive and ethical workplace.
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance.
• A variety of benefits dependent on role and location.
• The full list of our global benefits can be found here: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits.

What you will do:

1. Automated Workflow Design & Execution

• Design, configure, and maintain automated reaction screening and experimental workflows
• Translate chemist and process scientist inputs into executable automation protocols
• Optimize experiment throughput, scheduling, and resource utilization
• Enable closed-loop workflows: experiment → result → next experiment

2. System & Instrument Integration

• Integrate robotics platforms, liquid handling systems, and analytical instruments into unified workflows
• Ensure interoperability between hardware, control software, and data systems
• Coordinate with IT/OT teams to ensure system stability and scalability

3. User Interface & Interaction Layer

• Develop or implement local user interfaces for experiment setup, execution, and monitoring
• Create or deploy dashboards for live experiment status, outputs, and alerts
• Enable intuitive, user-friendly interaction with automated lab systems for scientists

4. Data Capture, Traceability & FAIR Enablement

• Ensure reproducibility and traceability of all automated runs
• Enable structured capture of experiment parameters, metadata, and results
• Align metadata standards with model-ready dataset requirements
• Support FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable)

5. Modelling & Optimization Enablement

• Collaborate with Data Science & Modelling teams on optimization workflows
• Enable automated linkage between experimental design and results
• Support APIs or file-based integration with modelling platforms
• Ensure workflow compatibility with the cloud data backbone

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with chemists and data scientists
• Interface with robotics, IT/OT, and infrastructure teams

What we are looking for:

Required:

• PhD or Master’s degree in Automation Engineering, Systems Engineering, Robotics, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
• Strong experience with lab automation platforms and orchestration systems
• Solid Python and scripting skills for workflow control and automation logic
• Familiarity with data pipelines, metadata schemas, and experiment traceability concepts
• Experience with dashboarding and front-end tools
• Knowledge of API design or file-based integrations

Preferred:

• Understanding of chemical reaction workflows (bioconjugation experience is a plus)

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a forward-thinking R&D organization driving next-generation chemistry innovation
• Work at the intersection of chemistry, automation, and data science
• Collaborate with global experts in a highly interdisciplinary environment
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory infrastructure and digital platforms
• Competitive compensation and career development opportunities

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.