At a Glance
- Tasks: Pioneer robotic platforms for drug formulation and automate lab workflows.
- Company: Exciting biotech startup transforming drug development with AI-driven labs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity package, and hybrid working flexibility.
- Other info: Collaborative workspace in Central London with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in an innovative environment and shape the future of pharmaceuticals.
- Qualifications: Advanced degree or equivalent experience in lab automation and strong Python skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re partnered with an early-stage platform biotech startup emerging from stealth, backed by leading venture capital investors. The company is building AI-driven “self-driving laboratories” designed to transform how drug products are developed.
Their platform combines robotics, automation, and machine learning to explore vast formulation spaces, automatically design and run experiments, and continuously learn from the results. By replacing traditional trial-and-error experimentation with high-throughput automated workflows, they aim to reduce formulation development timelines from months to days while unlocking medicines that were previously too complex to develop.
Operating at the intersection of biotech, robotics, and AI, the team is building the next generation of laboratory infrastructure to accelerate pharmaceutical innovation. This involves integrating robots, analytical instruments, and software into reliable, end-to-end workflows, and working closely with scientists to translate their methods into automation that holds up at scale.
Key Responsibilities:
- Pioneer the next generation of robotic platforms for drug formulation.
- Design and automate fully closed loop robotic systems which can be remotely operated.
- Integrate instruments and robotics via APIs, SDKs, and communication protocols.
- Develop robust interfacing layers and simulation environments to accelerate development and reduce deployment risk.
- Work with scientists to translate lab methods into automation-friendly procedures.
- Collaborate with Data/ML teams to stream rich telemetry and results downstream.
Qualifications:
- Advanced degree (PhD) or MSc with equivalent industry experience.
- Proven experience automating laboratory workflows with liquid handlers, collaborative robotic arms, and common analytics instruments (plate readers, HPLC/UPLC, balances, imagers).
- Strong software skills in Python, with comfort using modern tooling: git, containers, and testing frameworks.
- Experience with lab automation schedulers.
- Background in building simulation environments to de-risk hardware integrations before deployment.
- Experience with fabrication and prototyping, including 3D printing custom parts to adapt or extend lab equipment.
- Familiarity with data engineering or ML pipelines, particularly for streaming structured experimental telemetry.
- Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated lab environments.
What We Offer:
- Competitive base salary alongside a meaningful equity package, giving you the opportunity to share in the company’s long-term success.
- The chance to have real autonomy and impact within an early-stage startup, helping shape both the scientific direction and the development of the platform.
- A beautiful, collaborative lab and working space in the heart of Central London, designed to bring scientists, engineers, and data teams together.
- Hybrid flexibility, balancing hands-on lab work with the ability to work remotely where appropriate.
Automation Engineer in London employer: Hlx Life Sciences
Join an innovative early-stage biotech startup in Central London, where you'll have the opportunity to pioneer AI-driven robotic platforms that revolutionise drug formulation. With a competitive salary and equity package, you will enjoy a collaborative work culture that fosters autonomy and encourages meaningful contributions to scientific advancements. The company offers hybrid working flexibility and a state-of-the-art lab environment, making it an exceptional place for professional growth and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the biotech and automation fields on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving lab automation and robotics. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past roles, particularly in automating workflows or working with scientists.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with lab automation, robotics, and any relevant software skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission of transforming drug development!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for biotech and automation, and explain why you’re excited about joining our team. Let us know how your skills can contribute to building the next generation of laboratory infrastructure.
Showcase Relevant Projects:If you've worked on projects involving automation or robotics, make sure to showcase them in your application. We love seeing practical examples of your work, especially if they relate to lab workflows or AI-driven solutions!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hlx Life Sciences
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the technologies mentioned in the job description, especially Python and lab automation tools. Brush up on your experience with liquid handlers and robotic arms, as you might be asked to discuss specific projects where you’ve used these skills.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you've tackled challenges in automating laboratory workflows. Think of examples where you had to integrate different systems or troubleshoot issues, and explain your thought process clearly.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the startup’s mission and how they aim to revolutionise drug development. Being able to articulate why you’re excited about their AI-driven approach will show your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have a few insightful questions ready that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the industry. Ask about their current projects, the team dynamics, or how they envision the future of lab automation. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their success.
