Associate Director, Laboratory Automation and Operations

Automation And Laboratory Systems Leader

This position has departmental responsibility for providing reliable, safe, and efficient operations and maintenance of AbbVie's automated laboratory systems. Lead the daily operation of automation capabilities through continuous systems monitoring and resolution of issues. Collaborate with stakeholders during new equipment and new process introductions. The Automation and Laboratory Systems leader is responsible for designing and implementing strategic technical capabilities and initiatives to assure consistent service delivery according to departmental needs.

Responsibilities

Propose, implement, and sustain the department information and automation systems strategy and roadmap in alignment with department objectives and SM CMC R&D strategies.

Develop and revise project plans and budgets, work with stakeholders to understand complex problems and focus on bringing issues to resolution, escalating as necessary to meet timelines.

Understand current department systems design and partner with key stakeholders (Global Engineering, BTS, Quality Systems, Global Automation, Infrastructure Services, and Operations) together with department leadership to deliver 'future proof' ideas and cutting-edge technology solutions to ensure ongoing effectiveness of laboratory automation capabilities.

Lead departmental objectives by developing strategic roadmaps for automation and laboratory operations. Accountable for automation long term strategic delivery to department leadership team on an ongoing basis.

Provide guidance, technical advice, planning, and project management within SM CMC and with outside functions, consultants, and vendors. Support to laboratory areas in daily operations.

Work closely with the Global BTS organization in the evaluation and implementation of software to enable current and future automation capabilities. Support global SM CMC R&D software and configuration required for lab automation system interfaces such as NEST, Dotmatics, Empower, Chromeleon, SAP, LIMS, and Maximo.

Ensure technology systems compliance with Data Security, Data integrity and Regulatory Standards are maintained across automation activities in SM CMC R&D.

Establish and execute a lab renovation strategy for SM CMC R&D that enables delivery of the portfolio of today and the portfolio of the future.

Establish and manage a high performing staff by recruiting, training, coaching, and developing employees, communicating job expectations, and appraising their performance in support of AbbVie's Talent philosophy.

Assure fulfillment of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) requirements and compliance obligations, promote continuous improvement, and consider EHS aspects during design and change processes.

Emerson DeltaV DCS, OSI PI Historian and other automation and data acquisition systems.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science, master's degree is preferred.

Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive work experience in the pharmaceutical / biotechnology industry required. Minimum of five (5) years managing leading high-level technical teams and scientists.

Working knowledge of automation systems such as Hamilton, Unchained Labs, Mettler-Toledo, Emerson DeltaV DCS, OSI PI Historian and other automation and data acquisition systems.

Experience building and executing strategic plans for capital and expense at the department level.

Exposure to Industry 4.0 technology pillars such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality, big data, IOT, and vertical & horizontal integration of systems preferred. Knowledge with Business Intelligence and Data Visualization applications preferred.

Solid understanding of pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing processes, including operational best practices and regulatory expectations.

Knowledge and industry experience exposure to FDA, GSP, GMP, 21CFR11, safety and environmental legislation.

Capable of handling multiple priorities. Financial acumen and managing budget experience.

Demonstrated expertise and practice in Automation Engineering and adoption of connecting enterprise IT / OT systems to laboratory systems / processes required including successfully running a large global initiative or large capital project.

Ability to manage and support laboratory infrastructure in conjunction with global teams.

Additional Information

• 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 short-term incentive programs.
• 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.

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

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