Laboratory Scientist

ZipRecruiter; Slough; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global life sciences organization is seeking a Lab Automation Scientist based in Slough, UK. This senior role involves developing and scaling automation systems within biopharma R&D. The ideal candidate has a MSc or PhD in life sciences and expertise in automation platforms like Hamilton STAR and Tecan EVO. You will lead projects, mentor junior staff, and optimize workflows. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for travel within the UK and EU.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in applicable life sciences discipline.
• Proven hands-on experience with lab automation.
• Experience with major automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and validate automated workflows.
• Build and maintain automation platforms.
• Lead automation projects from design to tech transfer.

Skills

Laboratory automation experience

Automation system proficiency

Scripting skills

Communication skills

Education

MSc or PhD in Biology or Biochemistry

Tools

Hamilton STAR

Tecan EVO/Proficient

Biomek i-Series

Agilent Bravo

Job description

Job Description

Lab Automation Scientist – Biopharma R&D

Location: Slough, United Kingdom (with UK/EU travel ~10%)

Compensation: Competitive, flexible depending on experience

A leading global life sciences organisation is seeking a Lab Automation Scientist to take ownership of developing, implementing, and scaling automation across biopharma R&D workflows. This is a senior, hands-on role suited to someone who can both program and optimise automation platforms while contributing to lab build-outs and supporting the integration of digital systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and validate automated workflows for cell culture, assay development, and analytical processes.
• Build, commission, and maintain automation platforms, including troubleshooting and vendor management.
• Integrate workflows with digital systems (LIMS, ELN, data platforms) to ensure robust data capture and traceability.
• Lead automation projects from design through to tech transfer into operational or QC environments.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior scientists and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, or related life sciences discipline.
• Proven hands-on experience with laboratory automation in biotech or pharma.
• Proficiency with major automation systems such as Hamilton STAR, Tecan EVO/Proficient, Biomek i-Series, or Agilent Bravo.
• Experience writing or adapting scripts (VENUS, EVOware, Python, or Java APIs).
• Demonstrated involvement in lab build-outs, commissioning, or scaling automation capabilities.
• Familiarity with lab digital systems (LIMS, ELN, data platforms).
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in cross-functional project teams.

This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in shaping automation strategy within a leading life sciences organisation. You will enable scalable, high-throughput science by combining hands-on robotics expertise with project leadership in lab automation.