Lab Automation Scientist

Lonza; Slough; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Agile career culture

Inclusive workplace

Performance recognition and rewards

Benefits vary by role and location

Job summary

Lonza in Slough is seeking a Lab Automation Specialist to drive the implementation, optimization, and support of automation systems across biopharma R&D workflows. You will work with liquid handlers, ELN/LIMS integration, and digital data platforms to enable efficient, scalable experiments.

The role requires hands‑on experience with robotics, scripting, and cross‑functional collaboration, with opportunities for tech transfer and ongoing Lonza training in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in biology or biochemistry with biotech industry automation experience.
• Experience with automation software and liquid handling hardware.
• Familiar with LIMS/ELN data workflows and digital lab systems.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate automated workflows for assays and campaigns.
• Program and maintain lab automation platforms; troubleshoot and coordinate with vendors.
• Collaborate with scientists, IT, and bioinformaticians to meet automation needs.
• Support scale‑up and tech transfer of workflows to QC or production.
• Supervise installation, validation, and qualification of equipment.
• Participate in Lonza training programs.

Skills

Lab automation

Liquid handling

ELN/LIMS integration

Education

MS/PhD in Biology/Biochemistry

Tools

Hamilton Star

Tecan Proficient/Evo

Biomek i series

Agilent Bravo

Job description

Title: Lab Automation Specialist

Location: Slough

We are seeking a highly motivated Lab Automation Scientist to drive the implementation, optimisation, and support of laboratory automation systems across our biopharma R&D and development workflows. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with laboratory robotics and instrumentation, method scripting, and integration with digital systems such as Electronic Lab notebooks (ELN) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and data platforms.

The position necessitates expertise in multiple commercially accessible automation equipment, liquid handling systems, coupled with significant biotech and wet lab experience.

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What you will get:

• An agile career and dynamic working culture
• An inclusive and ethical workplace
• Compensation programs that recognize high performance
• A variety of benefits dependant on role and location

The full list of our global benefits can be also found on https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits .

Key responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and validate automated workflows for key assays, processes and screening campaigns mostly on liquid handlers I the field on cell culture process development and analytics.
• Program and maintain lab automation platforms in addition to troubleshooting equipment failures and coordinating with vendors for maintenance and service.
• Collaborate closely with laboratory scientists, bioinformaticians, IT teams, and other stakeholders to understand their challenges and needs, and to propose or implement appropriate solutions.
• Support scale‑up and tech transfer of automated workflows to operational areas or QC environments outside of R&D when needed.
• Supervise the installation, validation, and qualification of equipment to ensure performance meets standards.
• Participate in required Lonza training programs.

Key requirements:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Biology, Biochemistry, or related field with experience in lab automation within the biotech/pharma industry
• Demonstrated proficiency in programming and developing at least one of the following laboratory automation software/hardware and liquid handlers: Hamilton Star, Tecan Proficient/Evo, Biomek i series, Agilent Bravo
• Experience writing or editing automation scripts (e.g., VENUS, EVOware, Python- or Java-based APIs)
• Familiarity with assay development and optimisation in an R&D or high-throughput environment
• Understanding of data flow, integration, and digital lab systems (e.g., LIMS, ELN)
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities at a high level
• Capable of leading projects with cross‑functional teams

About Lonza

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone's ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that's the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you're ready to help turn our customers' breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.