Automation Development scientist

UCB; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UCB, based in Slough, UK, seeks an Automation Development Scientist to join the Characterisation and Material Sciences team. You will develop automated solutions to streamline workflows and strengthen data quality across projects, collaborating with teams across research and development.

The role focuses on designing studies, protocols, and reports, while improving efficiency and reproducibility in a hybrid office setup with 40% in the lab.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a scientific field such as biotechnology, chemistry, or a related discipline, with relevant experience.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology analysis environments.
• Knowledge or experience with automation technologies and scientific workflows.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project needs.
• Proactive mindset with attention to detail and a willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement automation solutions to support molecule characterisation and improve laboratory workflows.
• Collaborate with scientists and digital teams to translate technical needs into practical automated solutions.
• Design studies, and create and review protocols and reports to support project objectives.
• Improve efficiency, data accuracy, and overall capability while reducing manual work and resource use.
• Contribute to project planning and optimisation of scientific work packages.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Automation

Scientific workflows

Communication

Education

Master’s/PhD in science

Job description

We are looking for an Automation Development Scientist who is innovative, collaborative and detail-oriented to join our Characterisation and Material Sciences team, based in our Slough office in the United Kingdom.

About The Role

You will support the development and implementation of automated solutions to enhance scientific workflows. Working across multiple projects, you will design and optimise processes that improve efficiency, data quality, and reproducibility. This role plays a key part in advancing innovative approaches aligned with future laboratory strategies while collaborating with diverse stakeholders across research and development.

Who You’ll Work With

You will be working in a team of experienced scientists focused on the characterisation of molecules and materials. The team collaborates closely with experts in formulation, analytical development, digital and technology, and quality. You will also interact with international colleagues and external partners, contributing to a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary environment.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement automation solutions to support molecule characterisation and improve laboratory workflows.
• Collaborate with scientists and digital teams to translate technical needs into practical automated solutions.
• Design studies, and create and review protocols and reports to support project objectives.
• Improve efficiency, data accuracy, and overall capability while reducing manual work and resource use.
• Contribute to project planning and optimisation of scientific work packages.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Interested? For this role we’re looking for the following education, experience and skills

• Master’s or PhD in a scientific field such as biotechnology, chemistry, or a related discipline, with relevant experience.
• Experience in pharmaceutical or biotechnology analysis environments.
• Knowledge or experience with automation technologies and scientific workflows.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project needs.
• Proactive mindset with attention to detail and a willingness to learn.

About Us

UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9.000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work with us?

At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

At UCB, we’ve embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.

UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on [e-mail]. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.