Lead Lab Automation Specialist – Genomics

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

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