Senior Automation Scientist - Autonomous Labs Lead

Ellison Institute, LLC; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electric Car Scheme

Job summary

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is building the next generation of AI-driven, autonomous laboratories where experimental science, robotics, and machine learning integrate to design, execute, and optimise experiments dynamically. A Senior Automation Laboratory Scientist will play a central role in this transformation.

The role involves designing wet-lab workflows, automating platforms, and collaborating with automation engineers, AI researchers, and interdisciplinary teams while

Qualifications

• PhD in a STEM discipline or equivalent industry experience.
• Hands-on wet-lab experience and bench work.
• Ability to independently execute and troubleshoot laboratory workflows.
• Translate experimental goals into structured, reproducible protocols.
• Detail-oriented with commitment to experimental quality.
• Curious across science areas beyond biology.
• Can-do, build-it-yourself attitude in a fast-evolving lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute, optimize and design wet-lab workflows.
• Translate objectives into automation-ready protocols.
• Read literature and troubleshoot lab protocols.
• Operate and support automation platforms (e.g., liquid handling).
• Lead design and deployment of a deployable automation platform for lab techs and scientists.
• Collaborate with automation engineers, AI researchers, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Maintain documentation, quality control, and biosafety standards.

Skills

Hands-on wet-lab

Independent troubleshooting

Protocol design

Attention to detail

Scientific curiosity

DIY attitude

Education

PhD in STEM or equivalent

Tools

Hamilton systems

OpenTrons

Python

Job description

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is building the next generation of AI-driven, autonomous laboratories where experimental science, robotics, and machine learning integrate to design, execute, and optimise experiments dynamically. A Senior Automation Laboratory Scientist will play a central role in this transformation.

The role involves designing wet-lab workflows, automating platforms, and collaborating with automation engineers, AI researchers, and interdisciplinary teams while