Laboratory Automation Data Engineer Intern

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused pharmaceutical company dedicated to accelerating the delivery of life-changing medicines that create enduring value for patients, society, the planet, and our shareholders.

Within AstraZeneca, the Biologics and Engineering organization is on a mission to build the next generation of biologics. We are seeking a Laboratory Automation Data Engineer Intern to design and implement laboratory automation solutions that accelerate the discovery of new therapeutics.

In this role, you will contribute to the building of complex automation and robotics systems that standardize how we design and discover novel medicines—advancing research that impacts patients worldwide. Over the summer, you will partner closely with scientists and automation engineers to optimize automated workflows, strengthen data quality, and deploy solutions that make our laboratories faster, safer, and smarter.

Role details

• Location: Gaithersburg, MD

• Duration: 12 weeks (May 18–August 7)

• Level: Undergraduate internship

• Majors: Engineering (software, computer, robotics, biomedical, chemical, mechanical, systems, industrial), Computer Science, Data (data science, data engineering), Information Systems/Informatics (health, bioinformatics), Applied Mathematics/Statistics, Computational Biology/Bioinformatics, or a related discipline

• Graduation timing: Expected graduation date after August 2026

• Ability to report onsite to Gaithersburg, MD 4-5 days per week. This role will not provide relocation assistance.

• US Work Authorization is required at time of application.

• This role will not be providing CPT support.

• Compensation range: $37 - $39 hourly.

Position duties:

• Optimize lab automation workflows: Standardize Python/C# scripts and add/edit unit tests to improve maintainability and reuse.

• Ensure data integrity: Migrate shared CSVs into a database or governed, versioned data store; enforce schema checks, write-once records, and safe concurrency so updates are reliable and auditable.

• Improve robotics scheduling: Build dynamic, position‑aware worklists; resolve resource conflicts; enforce collision/resource constraints for parallel runs.

• Document end‑to‑end flows: Map scripts, triggers, paths, and handoffs; deliver clear, versioned documentation and diagrams.

• Align stakeholders: Conduct walkthroughs with automation, bioinformatics, and operations teams; incorporate feedback to enhance reliability, usability, and compliance.

Qualified applicants will have:

• Programming fundamentals: Experience with at least one language (e.g., Python or C#) and comfort reading/writing simple scripts.

• Basic data skills: Experience working with CSV/JSON, writing simple parsing/cleanup scripts, and using SQL at a basic level.

• Problem‑solving mindset: Ability to break down tasks, debug issues, and iterate based on feedback.

• Collaboration and communication: Ability to work with cross-functional partners and scientists, document work clearly, and drive action items.

Preference will be given to applicants with:

• Robotics/lab automation exposure: Tools such as Cellario, Venus, and Tecan/Beckman platforms; generating worklists/plate maps; understanding resource/collision constraints.

• Testing and version control: Experience running unit tests and using GitHub (branches, pull requests, issues).

• Windows environment familiarity: Managing file paths/permissions, using PowerShell or command-line scripting, and setting up environments.

• Documentation and process mapping: Creating clear diagrams/workflows (e.g., Visio) and writing concise SOPs.

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.