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Automation Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MES (Syncade) experience in Life Sciences/Pharma Provide technical support of site automation systems and network infrastructure. Primarily support site deployments of Emerson Syncade (MES). Examples ...

... automation solutions using different technologies and platforms (PLCs, DCS, SCADA, BMS, Edge ... Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Computer Science or Engineering. Other training and relevant ...

MES (Syncade) experience in Life Sciences/Pharma Provide technical support of site automation systems and network infrastructure. Primarily support site deployments of Emerson Syncade (MES). Examples ...

Your Impact at LILA Lila Sciences is building the world's first scientific superintelligence ... As a Co-Op, Automation Systems Engineer / Automation Software Developer, you will work closely with ...

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Automation Scientist information

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$58.5K

$92.9K

$124.5K

How much do automation scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation scientist in the United States is $92,896.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for an Automation Scientist?

A typical day for an Automation Scientist involves designing experiments, programming and maintaining automated instruments, troubleshooting system issues, and analyzing output data to ensure experiment accuracy. You’ll likely collaborate with research scientists, lab technicians, and engineers to optimize workflows and support ongoing projects. Automation Scientists often spend time reviewing protocols, documenting procedures, and providing training on new systems or technologies. The role offers a varied mix of hands-on technical work and collaborative problem-solving, creating an engaging work environment with the opportunity to contribute directly to scientific innovation.

Which scientist is highly paid?

In the field of science, senior roles such as lead researchers, principal scientists, or specialists in high-demand areas like data science, AI, or pharmaceuticals tend to be the highest paid. Automation scientists with advanced skills in robotics, machine learning, and programming can also earn high salaries, especially with experience and relevant certifications.

What does an Automation Scientist do?

An Automation Scientist develops, implements, and optimizes automated systems for scientific research and industrial processes. They work with robotics, software, and laboratory instrumentation to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability in experiments or production workflows. Their role often involves programming, troubleshooting automation issues, and collaborating with scientists and engineers to streamline complex tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Automation Scientist position, and why are they important?

Thrive as an Automation Scientist by possessing a strong background in life sciences or engineering, along with expertise in laboratory automation, assay development, and data analysis. Familiarity with automation platforms (such as Hamilton, Tecan, or Beckman), scripting languages (like Python or VB), and quality control standards is highly valued, and certifications in automation or laboratory management can be advantageous. Effective problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams help individuals excel in this role. These skills are crucial for implementing, optimizing, and troubleshooting automated laboratory workflows to increase productivity and ensure reliable results.

Which 5 jobs will survive AI?

Automation Scientists, who develop and implement automated processes in industries like manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, are likely to continue thriving as their expertise in designing complex systems remains valuable. Jobs requiring advanced problem-solving, creativity, and specialized knowledge—such as data scientists, software engineers, healthcare professionals, educators, and skilled tradespeople—are also expected to persist despite AI advancements. These roles often involve tasks that are difficult for AI to fully replicate or automate.

Are automation engineers in high demand?

Automation engineers are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and technology due to the increasing adoption of automation and robotics. Their skills in programming, control systems, and process optimization are highly sought after, leading to strong job growth and competitive salaries.

What is the highest paid job in robotics?

The highest paid jobs in robotics are often senior roles such as Robotics Engineering Managers or Director of Robotics, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and expertise in areas like AI, machine learning, and automation systems.
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Senior Scientist II, Automation Engineering

Senior Scientist II, Automation Engineering

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL

$88K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Job Description

The Technology and Therapeutic Platforms group has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Scientist, Automation Engineer to join the Advanced Chemistry Technologies (ACT) team at AbbVie. This scientist will develop and implement laboratory automation to support high-throughput organic synthesis in a drug discovery environment. The role will serve as a lead scientist on one or more projects, critically evaluate relevant scientific and technological advances, and integrate that knowledge into research programs. The successful candidate will drive scientific innovation, identify new methods and techniques, and collaborate across functions to support the drug discovery pipeline.

Responsibilities

  • Lead research and automation efforts to expand the team’s high-throughput organic synthesis capabilities
  • Design, implement, and maintain laboratory automation systems to increase throughput
  • Write scripts for common liquid-handling platforms such as Tecan, Hamilton, and ChemSpeed
  • Interpret experimental results, draw conclusions, and design iterative follow-up experiments
  • Work independently while maintaining high productivity, efficiency, and scientific rigor
  • Develop and implement new experimental protocols and techniques for drug discovery, with an emphasis on automation and high-throughput organic synthesis
  • Demonstrate scientific initiative and creativity to resolve key project challenges
  • Adapt quickly to changing priorities and shifting project needs
Qualifications

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Organic Chemistry or a related field  and typically 12 years of experience OR Master’s Degree and typically 10 years of experience OR PhD and 4 years of experience.
  • Demonstrated scientific initiative and creativity in research or development activities
  • Ability to identify and resolve key project challenges using available information and technical expertise
  • Background in chemical engineering, chemistry, or automation engineering
  • Experience in automation and medium- to high-throughput experimentation
  • Experience with machine learning and data science techniques, including designing experiments to build and validate AI/ML tools
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience contributing to technical reports and publications

Key Leadership Competencies

  • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functional partners to improve performance
  • Learns quickly, understands the core issues, and adapts as needed
  • Raises standards and continuously seeks improvement
  • Creates a learning environment that encourages feedback and experimentation
  • Values others’ ideas, fosters innovation, and balances creativity with practical execution

Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​

  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​

  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​

  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs. ​

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.​

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html


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About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013