Senior Laboratory Automation Specialist

Wellcome Genome Campus; Hinxton; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wellcome Sanger Institute is seeking a Senior Laboratory Automation Specialist on a fixed-term contract to lead scalable automation projects. You will design, validate and implement automated workflows, turning complex protocols into robust, high-throughput solutions while partnering with scientists and engineers.

You will drive technology evaluation, collaborate across disciplines, and mentor colleagues to foster innovation and efficiency in genomic research workflows.

Qualifications

• Lead automation projects from concept to implementation.
• Develop complex methods for automated liquid handling.
• Evaluate technologies with data and scientific requirements.
• Write SOPs and risk assessments for automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory automation projects from concept through development, 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.

Skills

Laboratory automation

Complex automation workflows

Project leadership

Communication & stakeholder management

Biological science knowledge

NGS & long-read sequencing

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.

About the Role

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.

• Lead laboratory automation projects from concept through development, 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.

About You

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.

Essential criteria

• 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

We recognise that relevant expertise can be developed in different environments. We welcome applicants from academia, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, technology development and other relevant sectors, and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

About Us

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 at Wellcome Sanger

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 supportive culture 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.

Our 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 Technician Commitment aims to empower and ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research, across all disciplines.

Salary: £54,700 - £65,750

Closing Date: Sunday 25th October, 11:59pm

Contract duration: 9 months