Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Senior Automation Specialist to develop cutting-edge lab automation solutions.
- Company: The Ellison Institute of Technology tackles global challenges through innovative science and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, enhanced holiday pay, private medical insurance, and more perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values creativity and makes a real impact on society.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in relevant fields with hands-on experience in automation.
- Other info: Must be eligible to work in the UK and willing to travel as needed.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) tackles humanity\’s greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas like health, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, clean energy, and robotics in an era of artificial intelligence. EIT blends groundbreaking research with practical applications to deliver lasting results.
A cornerstone of EIT mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in 2027. This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford. It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.
The Pathogen Mission highlights EIT\’s transformative approach, using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Oracle\’s cloud technology to create a global pathogen metagenomics system. This initiative aims to improve diagnostics, provide early epidemic warnings, and guide treatments by profiling antimicrobial resistance. The goal is to deliver certified diagnostic tools for widespread use in labs, hospitals, and public health.
EIT fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity\’s enduring challenges.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Senior Automation Specialist to support the development and scaling of advanced laboratory automation solutions within its Pathogen Program. This role will help establish automation capabilities for high-throughput workflows in genomics and phenotypic characterisation of pathogens, with flexibility to expand into other research domains.
EIT\’s longer-term vision is to build an AI-driven autonomous laboratory, where experimental workflows are dynamically designed, executed, and optimised through integrated robotics, sensors, informatics, and machine learning. The ideal candidate will bring experience in this emerging frontier of scientific automation.
You will play a key role in building robust automated processes, programming and integrating robotic platforms, supporting users, and contributing to the foundation of a scalable and intelligent lab environment.
Requirements
Automation Design and Implementation
- Contribute to the development of automation strategies supporting high-throughput sequencing and phenotyping workflows
- Assist in evaluating and deploying liquid handling systems, lab robotics, and scheduling software
- Build and maintain automated protocols for sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, library prep, and functional assays
System Integration and Programming
- Program and maintain robotic systems (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter) and integrate them with lab instrumentation (e.g., incubators, thermocyclers, plate readers)
- Support the setup and configuration of orchestration tools (e.g., Cellario, Green Button Go, Momentum)
- Troubleshoot process and equipment issues using a rigorous and methodical engineering approach
Collaboration and Support
- Work closely with scientists and data teams to convert manual protocols into reproducible automated workflows
- Train lab users on automated systems, support method transfers, and contribute to SOP documentation and change control processes
Biosafety and Lab Integration
- Support the implementation of automation systems within BSL-2 and BSL-3 environments, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements
- Help optimizs equipment layouts and workflows within these controlled lab settings
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor\’s, Master\’s, or Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Robotics, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
- Proficiency with liquid handlers (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman Coulter) and integration of lab instruments
- Strong scripting and automation programming skills (e.g., VENUS, EVOware, Python) and familiarity with orchestration platforms
- Demonstrated ability to develop, test, and troubleshoot complex automated workflows
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Experience in pathogen genomics or phenotyping, especially within BSL-2/BSL-3 laboratories
- Familiarity with LIMS systems and data-integrated lab environments
- Understanding of molecular workflows such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, library preparation, and AST/MIC assays
- Experience mentoring or training scientists and technicians on automated platforms
- Experience in AI-driven lab automation, including integration of sensors, machine learning models, or closed-loop experimentation systems
Benefits
We offer the following salary and benefits:
- Salary: Competitive salary on offer
- Enhanced holiday pay
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Private Medical Insurance
- Hospital Cash Plan
- Therapy Services
- Perk Box
- Electrical Car Scheme
Why work for EIT:
At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!
Terms of Appointment:
- You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessary
- You will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, Oxford
- During peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programme
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Science
-
Industries
IT Services and IT Consulting
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford by 2x
Get notified about new Automation Specialist jobs in Oxford, England, United Kingdom .
Abingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Abingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Reading, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Reading, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Newbury, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Oxford, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
(Senior) Control Systems / Automation Engineer
Witney, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Theale, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Abingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Wallingford, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Technical Manager – Industrial Automation
Banbury, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Oxford, England, United Kingdom 8 months ago
Quality Assurance Engineer II – Technical
Witney, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Associate Manager, Automation (RPA & AI)
Newbury, England, United Kingdom 17 hours ago
Trainee Coding & Programmer Placement Programme
Aylesbury, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Trainee Coding & Programmer Placement Programme
Reading, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
I\’d love to work at PQShield – Speculative Application
Oxford, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
Reading, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago
Junior Embedded Software Engineer (UNB033)
Reading, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Technical Manager – Industrial Automation
Banbury, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Oxford, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Abingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Oxford, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Banbury, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Bicester, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Abingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Oxford, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
Senior Robotics Software Engineer (Integration & Validation)
Oxford, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Reading, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Abingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Banbury, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Grove, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Oxford, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Automation Specialist - Pathogen employer: Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
Contact Detail:
Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Automation Specialist - Pathogen
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific automation technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Hamilton, Tecan, and Beckman Coulter. Having hands-on experience or even a solid understanding of these systems will give you an edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of laboratory automation and genomics. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues at EIT, which can help you gain insights into their work culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with high-throughput workflows and how you've successfully implemented automation solutions in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to collaborate effectively with scientists and data teams. Highlight any past experiences where you converted manual protocols into automated workflows, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Automation Specialist - Pathogen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in automation, robotics, and laboratory environments. Emphasise any specific projects or roles that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the mission of the Ellison Institute of Technology. Mention how your skills in automation and programming can contribute to their Pathogen Program and the vision of an AI-driven autonomous laboratory.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly list your technical skills related to liquid handling systems, programming languages, and orchestration platforms. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented these skills in previous roles.
Highlight Collaborative Experience: Since collaboration is key at EIT, include examples of how you've worked with scientists or cross-functional teams to develop automated workflows. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their culture of teamwork and innovation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure to highlight your proficiency with liquid handling systems and automation programming languages like Python. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented automation solutions, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Ellison Institute of Technology's goals, especially their focus on health and pathogen research. Showing that you understand their mission and how your role contributes to it can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, particularly in BSL-2/BSL-3 environments, and how you overcame them. This will showcase your ability to handle complex situations.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Training Experience
Since the role involves working closely with scientists and training lab users, be ready to discuss your experience in mentoring or training others. Highlight any collaborative projects that demonstrate your ability to work effectively within a team.
