Senior Distinguished Scientist – Robotics, Autonomous Discovery

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

📋 Description

• Act as the principal technical authority for the design, development, qualification, and deployment of cutting-edge laboratory automation and autonomous laboratory capabilities within Discovery.

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

• Incorporate agentic AI, machine learning, and closed-loop control strategies with physical automation equipment.

• Own the technical architecture and strategic roadmap for robotics and autonomous discovery.

• Lead automation initiatives from the initial concept and proof-of-principle validation through to industrial-scale execution.

• Establish and direct proof-of-principle laboratory activities to validate integration concepts and transition technologies into production discovery workflows.

• Assess external technologies, vendors, academic partners, and innovation collaborators.

• Provide expert troubleshooting and technical guidance for complex automation, equipment, process, and system-integration challenges.

• Mentor multidisciplinary teams across a matrixed organizational structure.

• Represent Johnson & Johnson’s automation innovation capabilities in scientific forums, industry consortia, publications, patents, and regulatory or technical engagements.

• Assist in developing robotics and automation platforms that enhance the speed, quality, reproducibility, and learning velocity of therapeutic discovery.

⛳️ 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 sectors.

• Proven track record in leading complete development, qualification, commercialization, and deployment of advanced automation systems in industrial, regulated, discovery, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or similar environments.

• 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 translating scientific and engineering principles into robust, scalable, and deployable automation systems.

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

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

• Ability to own the technical architecture, platform roadmaps, integration standards, and implementation sequencing that align with enterprise priorities.

• Strong communication and influencing capabilities.

• Preferred: experience in designing or deploying automation systems in life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical R&D, drug discovery operations, or advanced laboratory settings.

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

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

• Preferred: knowledge of small molecule and/or biologic discovery workflows.

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

• Preferred: experience with 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 coverage.

• 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.

• Inclusive interview process and disability accommodation support.

• Remote work options in the US may be considered on a case-by-case basis.