Automation Leader

PerkinElmer; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

PerkinElmer in Stevenage is seeking an Automation Leader to supervise automation service support and develop training for staff. You will ensure compliance with safety regulations and oversee equipment performance in a dynamic laboratory environment.

The ideal candidate holds a BSc in a relevant field and possesses experience in leading teams and training. This role includes critical equipment management and innovation opportunities in scientific automation.

Qualifications

• 2 years of demonstrated technical experience with automated laboratory activities.
• Knowledge of good laboratory safety practices.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, delivering training, or coaching staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and contribute to delivering high-quality automation service support.
• Assist in recruitment, induction, and training.
• Ensure procedures comply with safety regulations.
• Act as first-responder for critical equipment breakdowns.
• Develop training packages for automation platforms.

Skills

Team leadership

Training and development

Problem-solving

Technical mediation

Education

BSc or equivalent in Engineering, Technical or Scientific

Masters or Doctorate in a relevant subject

Tools

Cellario

Evoware

Fluent Control

Momentum

VWorks

Job description

Overview

When joining PerkinElmer, you select an experienced and trusted leader in scientific solutions with a global service network and distribution centers. Our mission is to advance science and innovate for a healthier world, partnering with commercial, government, academic and healthcare customers to deliver analytical solutions and OneSource services.

Job Title and Location

Automation Leader — Stevenage (UK) on customer site

Responsibilities

• Managerial Duties: supervise and contribute to the team in delivering high-quality automation service support; oversee the work, training, development and safety of all reporting staff; address operational and performance issues; escalate to line manager as appropriate.
• Assist in recruitment, induction and training; routine performance management; ensure procedures comply with safety regulations; assist in generating SOPs, work instructions, local method statements and risk assessments as needed; ensure adherence to quality, skill and safety requirements.
• Promote PerkinElmer core values and act as an ambassador for TLS; escalate business development opportunities to line manager.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of data including performance metrics.
• Operational Duties: act as first-responder for critical equipment breakdowns to minimize impact on scientific activity.
• Perform ongoing system performance analysis from error logs, live run interventions, root-cause analysis and trend errors to mitigate recurrence.
• Provide technical mediation for long-running equipment issues involving multiple vendors.
• Develop training packages for automation platforms for LIS Engineers and client staff; develop and implement a proactive maintenance regime for key equipment.
• Oversee and participate in equipment support activities; train scientists in best practice for automated equipment use; ensure health and safety, security, environmental and operational compliance.
• Engage with scientific teams, present data, and identify opportunities for innovation; discuss service improvements with the team leader and customers; share best practices with other groups.
• Track assay performance metrics; communicate issues and suggest improvements to current assay methods and evaluate new technologies where applicable.
• Work independently and flexibly to support team priorities and meet realistic schedules.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: BSc or equivalent in a relevant subject (e.g., Engineering, Technical or Scientific) with relevant laboratory experience; demonstrated experience leading teams, delivering training, or coaching staff; 2 years of demonstrated technical experience with automated laboratory activities; knowledge of good laboratory safety practices.
• Preferred Qualifications: Masters or Doctorate in a relevant subject; solid understanding of core competencies in liquid handling and integrated automation platforms; experience writing protocols using software such as Cellario, Evoware, Fluent Control, Momentum, VWorks or equivalent; experience in a Pharmaceutical, Biotech, CRO or scientific laboratory environment; experience in a regulated environment; experience developing and optimizing complex protocols on liquid handling automation.