Laboratory Automation Specialist

Wellcome Sanger Institute; Saffron Walden; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working option

Campus wellbeing programme

Job summary

The Wellcome Sanger Institute invites applications for a Senior Laboratory Automation Specialist to lead automated workflows and scale-up capabilities in a cutting-edge genomics environment. You will design, validate and implement complex liquid-handling methods and integrate automation with LIMS, collaborating across disciplines to deliver reliable, scalable solutions.

This fixed-term role emphasizes hands-on automation, project leadership and cross-functional teamwork in a world-leading

Qualifications

• + Lead laboratory automation projects from concept to validation and implementation, balancing scientific requirements, cost, resources, timelines, quality and risk.
• + Design and develop complex methods for automated liquid handling platforms, translating protocols into robust workflows.
• + Evaluate automation technologies to identify the best approaches for scientific and operational needs.
• + Collaborate with faculty scientists, software developers and external partners to integrate new technologies, including LIMS integration.
• + Embed automated processes into Scientific Platforms with ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement.
• + Share expertise by mentoring colleagues and fostering innovation and collaboration.
• + This role is based on-site.
• + Extensive hands-on automation experience and ability to turn complex requirements into effective automated solutions.
• + Experience with Hamilton, Agilent Bravo, Tecan, Beckman or similar platforms.
• + Experience developing, validating and implementing complex automated or high-throughput workflows.
• + Ability to evaluate liquid handling technologies using performance data and scientific requirements.
• + Experience integrating automation with LIMS and producing SOPs and risk assessments.
• + Strong project delivery, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• + Knowledge of biological science from study or practical lab experience.
• + Experience automating cell-based assays and/or molecular biology techniques.
• + Background in cellular biology and cell culture techniques.
• + Background in NGS, long-read sequencing and sample preparation.
• + Experience automating NGS and long-read library prep processes.
• + Proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• + Lead automation projects from concept to validation and implementation.
• + Design methods for automated liquid handling platforms.
• + Evaluate and select automation technologies for projects.
• + Collaborate with scientists, software developers and partners; integrate with LIMS.
• + Embed automation into Scientific Platforms and drive ongoing improvement.
• + Mentor colleagues and promote a culture of innovation and learning.
• + Ensure on-site delivery and robust documentation.

Skills

Automation expert

Liquid handling

Project leadership

LIMS integration

Genomics knowledge

Tools

Hamilton

Agilent Bravo

Tecan

Beckman

Job description

Do you want to help us improve human health and understand life on Earth? Make your mark by shaping the future to enable or deliver life-changing science to solve some of humanity's greatest challenges. We are looking for a Senior Laboratory Automation Specialist for a fixed-term contract to develop and deliver innovative laboratory automation solutions that enable science at scale at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Working within the Technical Development and Scale-up team (TDS), you will lead complex projects from concept and technology evaluation through to validation and implementation. This is an opportunity to combine technical expertise in automated liquid handling and laboratory robotics with project leadership and scientific collaboration in a world-leading genomics research environment., You will lead the development and implementation of automated laboratory workflows, identifying where technology can improve scientific capability, efficiency and scalability. You will work across multi-functional teams and with external technology partners to turn complex requirements into robust solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory automation projects from concept and technology evaluation through to validation and implementation, balancing scientific requirements, cost, resources, timelines, quality and risk.
• Design and develop complex methods for automated liquid handling platforms, translating scientific protocols into robust, scalable workflows.
• Evaluate automation technologies and emerging solutions to identify the most appropriate approaches for scientific and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with faculty scientists, software developers and external partners to integrate new technologies, including integration with LIMS.
• Embed automated processes into Scientific Platforms, ensuring ongoing evaluation and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Share expertise by mentoring and supporting colleagues and contributing to a collaborative culture of innovation and shared learning.
• Please note: This role is based on-site.
• You will bring substantial hands-on laboratory automation experience and an ability to turn complex scientific requirements into effective automated solutions. Alongside your technical expertise, you will be comfortable leading projects, communicating with different audiences and collaborating across disciplines.
• Extensive experience of laboratory automation and automated liquid handling, including developing complex methods on platforms such as Hamilton, Agilent Bravo, Tecan, Beckman or comparable technologies.
• Experience of developing, validating and implementing complex automated or high-throughput laboratory workflows.
• Ability to evaluate liquid handling and automation technologies critically, using performance data and scientific requirements to inform decisions.
• Experience integrating laboratory automation with LIMS, and producing technical documentation such as SOPs and risk assessments.
• Strong project delivery, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge of biological science gained through relevant study and/or equivalent practical laboratory experience.
• Experience in automating cell-based assays and/or molecular biological techniques.
• Background in cellular biology and cell culture techniques
• Background in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Long Read Sequencing technologies, & sample preparation
• Experience in automating NGS and long-read library preparation processes
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

The TDS team is part of Scientific Platforms at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Our mission is to support cutting-edge research by developing and delivering high-throughput genomic and cellular technologies.

Our work enables researchers to explore fundamental biological questions, ranging from cancer genomics to biodiversity studies. The TDS Delivery team plays a vital role in piloting and implementing new Genomic & Cellular technologies into routine use, helping to maximise the efficiency, cost-effectiveness and quality of data generation across the Institute.

Hybrid Working

We recognise that there are many benefits to Hybrid Working; including an improved work-life balance, with more focused time, as well as the ability to organise working time so that collaborative opportunities and team discussions are facilitated on campus. The hybrid working arrangement will vary for different roles and teams. The nature of your role and the type of work you do will determine if a hybrid working arrangement is possible.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We aim to attract, recruit, retain and develop talent from the widest possible talent pool, thereby gaining insight and access to different markets to generate a greater impact on the world.

We have a with the following staff networks: LGBTQ+, Parents and Carers, Disability, Gender Equity and Race Equity to bring people together to share experiences, offer specific support and development opportunities and raise awareness.

The networks are also a place for allies to provide support to others.

We believe people do their best work when they can be their authentic selves.

That's why we're committed to creating a truly inclusive culture at Sanger Institute.

We will consider all individuals without discrimination and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, where everyone can thrive.

Benefits

• We are proud to deliver an awarding campus-wide employee wellbeing strategy and programme.
• The importance of good health and adopting a healthier lifestyle and the commitment to reduce work-related stress is strongly acknowledged and recognised at Sanger Institute.
• Sanger Institute became a signatory of the International Technician Commitment initiative In March 2018.
• The aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.