Senior Laboratory Automation Specialist

Sanger; Hinxton; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wellcome Sanger Institute seeks a Senior Laboratory Automation Specialist to lead automated workflows and scale-up initiatives in the Technical Development and Scale-up team. You will design and implement complex liquid handling methods on platforms like Hamilton/Bravo/Tecan, evaluating new technologies and coordinating with internal scientists and external partners.

You will drive projects from concept through validation, embedding automation into Scientific Platforms and ensuring robust,

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on automation experience in a research or biotech setting.
• Experience developing complex automated workflows and high-throughput methods.
• Ability to evaluate 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.
• Background in cellular biology and cell culture; experience with NGS/long-read prep.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through validation and implementation.
• Design complex liquid handling methods for robotic platforms.
• Evaluate automation technologies and propose best-fit solutions.
• Collaborate with scientists, developers and partners; integrate with LIMS.
• Mentor colleagues and promote a culture of innovation.

Skills

Lab automation

Liquid handling

Project leadership

LIMS integration

Communication

Cell-based assays

NGS workflows

Long read sequencing

Automation platforms

Problem solving

Education

Biological sciences background

Equivalent practical laboratory experience

Tools

Hamilton

Agilent Bravo

Tecan

Beckman

LIMS

Job description

## Senior Laboratory Automation SpecialistApply: Hinxton, Cambridgeshire: Full time: Posted 3 Days Ago: JR104025Do 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. You will:* 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. **Application process**Please include a cover letter along with your CV. In your cover letter, include details on how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role described. Please note: This role is based on-site. **Salary:** £54,700 - £65,750 **Closing Date:** Sunday25th October, 11:59pm **Contract duration:** 9 months **Role profile:** For the full list of accountabilities and criteria, please click here.