At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and enhance automated systems while providing engineering support.
- Company: Join PerkinElmer, a leader in biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time evening shift with opportunities for training and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that impacts scientific advancements and innovation.
- Qualifications: Technical qualification or 5+ years in laboratory instrument support required.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced lab environment with safety protocols in place.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an Automation Technician to join the team located at one of our client sites in Cambridge. This is a full-time hours role working an evening shift; Monday to Friday 16:00 to 00:00. The Automation Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and enhancing automated systems, with a view to provide minimal downtime and increased time for science. The successful candidate will provide first line engineering support to identified automation platforms outside of the normal working patterns to enable a broader use of equipment.
Job Responsibilities:
- Ensure prompt, flexible, customer focused engineering support whilst maintaining compliance with statutory, regulatory and engineering standards.
- Support Automation Engineers to diagnose faults on complex equipment and systems utilizing the multi-disciplinary support internal and external to the team to produce a satisfactory solution.
- Carry out engineering maintenance and commissioning work associated with scientific equipment and systems in a safe, cost-effective manner to ensure minimum business disruption, as instructed.
- Adhere to company risk assessments and methods developed in line with engineering standards and health & safety requirements.
- Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures, offering suggestions on improvements, where identified.
- Assist the Automation Engineering team to identify and source components and services.
- Assist in creating supporting documentation e.g. service reports, SOP’s and Risk Assessments.
- Assist in managing the availability of essential spares to support the range of equipment and systems used within the R&D facilities in a cost-effective manner.
- Support the Automation Team Supervisor to ensure efficient performance of the scientific equipment and systems using Key Performance Indicators to instigate improvements and influence changes.
- Support the PerkinElmer Management Team to ensure all activities are completed.
- Act as an ambassador to PerkinElmer, ensuring a first-class service is always delivered.
- Participate in training activities in order to gain a better understanding of Automation, via Vendor or in house cross training.
- Develop knowledge of equipment assets and science, to enable understanding of current and new technologies utilized by customer.
- Interface with other supply partners as required.
Critical Skills:
- Very Strong relationship management and excellent communication skills/influencing skills.
- Experience within the Laboratory Instrument Support sector across a wide range of scientific and/or automated systems.
- Ability to work to own initiative but team orientated and able to work with minimal supervision.
- Strong analytical skills with proven ability to break down and solve complex problems in a logical and structured approach.
- Knowledge and understanding of EHS procedures.
- Experience of working in a fast paced, operational environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- High customer focus.
Basic Qualifications:
- Technical Engineering Qualification or Apprenticeship HNC/HND or equivalent in relevant engineering discipline OR 5+ years’ experience within the Laboratory Instrument Support sector.
- PC literate in Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc).
Working Environment:
- Role is site based on a customer site in Cambridge, UK.
- Full time hours, evening shift, Monday to Friday 16:00 to 00:00.
- Must be able to work in a laboratory, controlled environments requiring personal protective equipment (e.g., lab coat, safety glasses, etc.) in the laboratory.
- Job pace may be fast and job completion demands may be high.
- Must be able to remain in a stationary position more than 25% of the time.
- The person needs to occasionally move between labs, corridors, adjoining rooms, and buildings onsite.
- Frequently operating around instruments, objects, tools or controls, which will require regularly bending, squatting, stretching and reaching in order to perform in a service function.
- May be required to complete Medical Clearance, Respiratory Protection Training, and Fit Testing to wear a respirator as protection against hazards present in the laboratory environment.
Contact Detail:
PerkinElmer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Automation Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific automation systems and technologies used in laboratory settings. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the laboratory automation field, especially those who work at PerkinElmer or similar companies. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills in detail. Given the role's focus on troubleshooting complex equipment, having specific examples ready will showcase your analytical abilities and experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the importance of compliance and safety in a laboratory environment. Being able to articulate your knowledge of EHS procedures and how you've adhered to them in past roles will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Automation Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in laboratory instrument support and automation systems. Use specific examples that demonstrate your troubleshooting skills and ability to work independently.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description, particularly your experience with engineering maintenance and compliance with safety standards.
Highlight Critical Skills: Emphasise your strong relationship management and communication skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or influenced outcomes in previous roles, as these are key attributes for the Automation Technician position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in this field.
How to prepare for a job interview at PerkinElmer
✨Show Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your technical engineering qualifications or relevant experience in the Laboratory Instrument Support sector. Be prepared to discuss specific systems you've worked with and how you've contributed to their maintenance and troubleshooting.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Prepare examples of complex problems you've solved in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, showcasing your analytical skills and logical approach to troubleshooting.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Since strong communication is critical for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with teams and communicated technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research PerkinElmer's values and mission. Be prepared to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to a customer-focused environment while maintaining compliance with engineering standards.