Senior Distinguished Scientist, Robotics – Autonomous Discovery

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Pennsylvania.

📋 Description

• Act as the principal technical expert responsible for the design, development, qualification, and implementation of cutting-edge laboratory automation and autonomous laboratory functionalities within Discovery.

• Design integrated automation ecosystems that encompass robotic liquid handling, high-throughput synthesis and screening instruments, automated sample management, inline analytics, software interfaces, and hardware control systems.

• Combine agentic AI, machine learning, and closed-loop control mechanisms with physical automation hardware to facilitate autonomous experimental execution and iterative Design-Make-Test-Analyze (DMTA) cycle optimization.

• Take charge of the technical architecture and platform strategy for robotics and autonomous discovery, focusing on engineering specifications, integration standards, platform sequencing, implementation readiness, and long-term scalability.

• Oversee automation initiatives from conceptualization and proof-of-concept validation to large-scale industrial deployment.

• Establish and direct proof-of-concept laboratory projects to mitigate risks associated with novel automation technologies and expedite their integration into production discovery workflows.

• Assess external technologies, vendors, academic collaborators, and innovation partners to guide decisions on building, buying, or partnering.

• Offer expert troubleshooting and technical guidance for intricate automation, equipment, processes, and system integration challenges.

• Mentor interdisciplinary teams across a matrixed organizational structure.

• Represent Johnson & Johnson's automation innovation capabilities at external scientific forums, industry consortiums, publications, patents, and regulatory or technical engagements.

⛳️ Requirements

• Ph.D. in Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.

• A minimum of 20 years of progressive industrial experience in technology development, automation, engineering, advanced manufacturing, discovery operations, or related areas.

• Proven track record in leading complete development, qualification, commercialization, and deployment processes for advanced automation systems.

• Extensive expertise in automation hardware design and integration, including robotic platforms, precision motion systems, mechatronic design, sensor and actuator integration, instrumentation, and system controls.

• Experience in converting scientific and engineering principles into robust, scalable, and deployable automation platforms.

• Capability to lead large, matrixed, cross-functional teams through complex, multi-year technology initiatives.

• Familiarity with equipment design controls, lifecycle management, process validation, system qualification, or equivalent regulated technology development practices.

• Ability to manage technical architecture, platform roadmaps, integration standards, and implementation sequencing.

• Strong communication and influence skills.

• Experience in designing or deploying automation systems within life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research and development, drug discovery operations, or advanced laboratory environments.

• Knowledge of self-driving laboratory principles, autonomous experimentation, DMTA cycle optimization, and closed-loop learning systems.

• Understanding of AI, machine learning, agent-based systems, or autonomous optimization applied to laboratory automation and scientific workflows.

• Familiarity with small molecule and/or biologic discovery workflows, including high-throughput experimentation, screening, synthesis, sample logistics, and analytical characterization.

• Experience in intellectual property development, including invention disclosures, patents, publications, or external scientific representation.

• Background in additive manufacturing, digital engineering, advanced manufacturing, or rapid prototyping technologies.

🏝️ Benefits

• Annual performance bonus eligibility.

• Medical insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Life insurance.

• Short- and long-term disability insurance.

• Business accident insurance.

• Group legal insurance.

• Consolidated retirement plan (pension).

• Savings plan (401(k)).

• Vacation – up to 120 hours per calendar year.

• Sick time – up to 40 hours per calendar year.

• Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – up to 13 days per calendar year.

• Work, Personal and Family Time – up to 40 hours per calendar year.