Genetics Laboratory Automation Specialist

Integrated Care System; Bristol; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading laboratory in Bristol is seeking a Laboratory Automation Specialist to lead automation initiatives within genomic diagnostics. This role involves designing and implementing new automated workflows, collaborating across technical teams, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts. The successful candidate will benefit from a collaborative work environment and ample opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Access to on-site childcare

NHS Pension Scheme benefits

Qualifications

• BSc or higher degree in a scientific or computer science subject required.
• Experience with automated laboratory equipment and processes essential.
• Practical lab experience and previous NHS experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of automated workflows.
• Collaborate across departments to enhance service delivery through automation.
• Support quality systems and compliance with ISO15189 standards.

Skills

Automation

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

BSc degree in relevant scientific subject

Higher degree (MSc, MPhil, or PhD)

Tools

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Visio

Power BI

Job description

Genetics Laboratory Automation Specialist

Are you an experienced professional in laboratory diagnostics with a passion for automation and continuous improvement?

Bristol Genetics Laboratory (BGL), part of the South West Genomic Laboratory Hub (SWGLH), is seeking a motivated and innovative Laboratory Automation Specialist to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of genomic diagnostics through automation.

About the role:

You will lead the development, validation, and implementation of new automated workflows across our laboratory. This hybrid role involves collaborating closely with our Technical Teams, Quality Improvement Lead, and Informatics Team to drive efficiency and innovation.

About us:

BGL is a large, well-equipped, and friendly laboratory that provides centralized genomic testing for cancer and rare diseases across the South West. We are proud to be part of the SWGLH, delivering high-quality, patient-focused genomic services.

Our laboratory operates from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Saturday. The successful candidate will work 37.5 hours per week full-time and participate in rotas for Saturdays and Bank holidays as appropriate.

What we offer:

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Involvement in innovative projects at the forefront of genomic medicine.

Want to learn more about Pathology at North Bristol NHS Trust?

Click here to watch our YouTube video.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, validate, and implement automated laboratory processes.
• Collaborate across departments to integrate automation into existing workflows.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery.
• Contribute to training and upskilling of staff in automated systems.

About us

North Bristol NHS Trust is one of the largest healthcare trusts in the South West of England. We provide hospital and community healthcare to Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. Our vision is to enable our teams to be the best they can be to provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

NBTCARES: a simple statement epitomizing our commitment to going the extra mile for our patients and each other.

Caring – underpinning all we do for our patients and colleagues.

Ambitious – always striving to improve our services.

Respectful – recognizing the importance of every individual.

Supportive – working as a team to deliver together.

North Bristol NHS Trust values diversity and is committed to being an anti-discriminatory organization. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Staff benefits include access to on-site, tax-free childcare through the Childcare Salary Sacrifice Scheme, NHS Pension Scheme benefits, and support services for physical, psychological, and financial well-being. For a full list of staff benefits, please visit our website.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description for full details.

Lead the implementation and validation of new automation technologies and their integration with the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Collaborate with Quality Improvement, Informatics, and Bioinformatics teams to develop workflows, design system interfaces, and link data flows between lab equipment and LIMS.

Communication:

Act as a key communicator across departments, external labs, and suppliers. Translate complex projects into accessible formats, present updates, manage supplier communications, and visually convey data to support procurement and operations.

Laboratory:

Provide technical support for sample processing, data management, and equipment use. Ensure smooth operation of diagnostic techniques, troubleshoot issues, support R&D projects, and assist in equipment procurement.

Quality:

Support quality systems, contribute to ISO15189 compliance, risk management, audits, and SOP development, ensuring all work aligns with quality standards.

Professional:

Engage in ongoing professional development, participate in appraisals, and demonstrate initiative, flexibility, and resilience. Where appropriate, line manage others.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

• BSc degree in relevant scientific or computer science subject (1st or 2nd class)
• Higher degree (MSc, MPhil, or PhD) in a relevant discipline
• Registered or enrolled with an appropriate regulatory body
• Management training or experience
• Relevant QI training or experience

Work Experience

• Practical lab techniques and experience with automated equipment
• Experience training, supervising, or mentoring
• Experience delivering QI projects with measurable outcomes
• Previous NHS experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of lab environment and clinical applications
• Proven experience with laboratory automation
• Experience with lab IT systems
• IT skills including software, web applications
• Data analysis and presentation skills (e.g., Visio, Power BI)
• Knowledge of genetics and NGS
• Experience with automation and liquid handling robotics

Personal Qualities

• Innovation, leadership, and change management abilities

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required prior to appointment.

Salary: £46,148 to £52,809 per annum (FTE), pro-rata for part-time roles.