search Browse Jobs
Biocentre Automation TechnicianAstraZeneca · US - Gaithersburg - MD
AstraZeneca logo

AstraZeneca

company page ↗ Visa Sponsoring Company

Biocentre Automation Technician

✓ This company has sponsored visas before. The posting doesn't say so, but it's still worth applying.

🗓️ Posted 2026-10-06 US - Gaithersburg - MD Full-time Hybrid Science Technology
💰 Salary Not shared 📊 Market 4,500 GBP–6,500 GBP/mo

About the Company

We're transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what science can do for people, society and the planet. For more information, visit www.astrazeneca.com. Community Guidelines: bit.ly/2MgAcio Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Specialties: Pharmaceutical, Biopharmaceutical, Innovation, Research and development, Global business

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. These materials are ethically sensitive and support the delivery of clinical trials across the business. 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. The successful candidate will help build, maintain, and continuously improve automation capabilities, while also supporting process, systems, and training activities that enhance the management and use of human biological samples.

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.

Requirements

  • ● Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline.
  • ● Minimum of 3 years of experience in a laboratory setting.
  • ● 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.
  • ● Knowledge of automated sample storage solutions.
  • ● Familiarity with LIMS or other laboratory informatics systems.
  • ● Compensation and benefits
  • ● The annual base pay for this position ranges from 92,525 to 138,378. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives, including the opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses and equity-based awards for salaried roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and leaves, as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
  • ● Why AstraZeneca
  • ● At AstraZeneca, you will be part of a science-led, patient-focused organization where innovation and collaboration drive meaningful outcomes. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of critical biobank automation capabilities that support research and clinical delivery across Oncology.
  • ● Working pattern
  • ● This is an on-site laboratory-based role located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Occasional weekend or out-of-hours work may be required.
  • ● If you are passionate about laboratory automation, biological sample management, and supporting scientific progress through operational excellence, we encourage you to apply.
  • ● Date Posted 05-oct-2026
  • ● Closing Date 18-oct-2026 Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.