Biocentre Automation Technician

About the role

At AstraZeneca, Human Biological Samples (HBS) are fundamental to medical research and play a critical role in discovering, developing, and implementing new treatments and diagnostics. We are seeking a Biocentre Automation Technician to play a key role in establishing automation capabilities within the Biobank and Biocentre in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This role will focus primarily on supporting the implementation of aliquoting capabilities and automated freezer storage during the pilot phase, while ensuring readiness for the official launch. This is a highly collaborative, laboratory-based role requiring close partnership with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and global biobank teams.

Key responsibilities

• Support the identification, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation solutions in the Biobank and Biocentre.
• Assist with the commissioning of aliquoting systems, automated storage, and picking solutions, including Factory Acceptance Testing and Site Acceptance Testing.
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules and procedures to ensure equipment operates efficiently and safely.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including IT, to support integration of laboratory equipment into technology solutions such as LIMS and related infrastructure.
• Develop and deliver training for science partners and other users of automation platforms and related processes.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of associated procedural documentation.
• Receive, register, and track incoming human biological samples using specialized informatics systems and databases.
• Process requests for human biological samples and respond to customer queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Communicate with science partners and internal customers to ensure compliance with global HBS standards and legal requirements.
• Liaise with external vendors, technical experts, engineers, dispatch teams, and couriers as needed.
• Support transportation and dispatch activities related to human biological samples.
• Act on day-to-day operational issues and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives with global biobank teams and stakeholders.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with global standards, SOPs, Good Clinical Practice, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain visibility of work in progress at all times through accurate use of systems and databases.
• Provide local support for the launch, operation, and ongoing optimization of automation capabilities.
• Participate in occasional weekend or out-of-hours work when required by business needs.

Essential requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience using laboratory instrumentation.
• Experience working with automation in a laboratory environment.
• Strong understanding of human biological samples and associated handling principles.
• Ability to work effectively across teams and with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage operational tasks while contributing to process improvement activities.

Desirable requirements

• Experience in biobanking.
• Knowledge of automated sample storage solutions.
• Experience working with technical experts such as engineers.
• Experience supporting drug development and/or technology-related projects.
• Experience working with global teams.
• Familiarity with LIMS or other laboratory informatics systems.