Lab Automation Lead: Build Scalable Automated Platforms

Orakl Oncology; Île-de-France; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Orakl Oncology in France is hiring its first automation lead to build the Automation function from scratch. You will map processes, decide what to automate, specify and source equipment, negotiate with vendors and integrators, commission machines and hire the team.

This is a high-ownership role in a fast-growing biotech startup. You will work closely with cell culture, biology and data science teams to translate lab protocols into automated execution, set standards, and drive steady improvements

Qualifications

• Engineering degree and eight+ years in automation or related field.
• Exceptional process thinking; map flows and bottlenecks.
• Experience in supplier negotiation and budget ownership.
• Experience with PLC/robot programming and scheduling software.
• Comfort on the shop floor with operators and cross-functional teams.
• Strong autonomy and decision-making; fluent English.

Responsibilities

• Map cell culture workflows end to end and identify automation opportunities.
• Own the automation roadmap and present it to leadership.
• Evaluate vendors, write requirements, and manage interface specs.
• Negotiate terms with vendors and integrators within thresholds.
• Lead design reviews and site acceptance tests.
• Translate lab protocols into automated execution with biologists and scientists.
• Track machine availability, downtime, and plan next steps.
• Coordinate with management to forecast future automation needs.
• Hire and develop automation technicians and engineers.
• Set standards for documentation, QC, safety, and change control.

Skills

Engineering degree

Process thinking

Negotiation

PLC & robotics

Floor presence

Autonomy

English fluent

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

PLC programming

Robot programming

Scheduling software

Instrument interfaces

Scripting basics

Job description

Orakl Oncology in France is hiring its first automation lead to build the Automation function from scratch. You will map processes, decide what to automate, specify and source equipment, negotiate with vendors and integrators, commission machines and hire the team.

This is a high-ownership role in a fast-growing biotech startup. You will work closely with cell culture, biology and data science teams to translate lab protocols into automated execution, set standards, and drive steady improvements