At a Glance
- Tasks: Pioneer robotic platforms for drug formulation and automate laboratory workflows.
- Company: Exciting biotech startup transforming drug development with AI-driven labs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity package, hybrid working, and a collaborative workspace.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in Central London with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in biotech and shape the future of pharmaceutical innovation.
- 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. That means 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.
- 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; work with Data/ML to stream rich telemetry and results downstream.
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.
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 Job 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 ideal place for professionals eager to make a significant impact in the biotech field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer Job 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. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your projects, especially those involving lab automation and robotics. We love seeing practical examples of what you can do, so make sure to highlight your best work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. We recommend practising common interview questions related to automation and biotech, so you can confidently demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who want to make an impact in the biotech space.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer Job in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with lab automation, robotics, and any relevant software skills. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about biotech and automation. Share specific examples of your past work that align with our goals at StudySmarter. Let us know why you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Projects:If you've worked on any relevant projects, whether in academia or industry, make sure to mention them. We love seeing practical applications of your skills, especially if they involve automation or robotics. It helps us understand your hands-on experience!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hlx Life Sciences
✨Know Your Tech
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of automation technologies, especially those related to liquid handlers and robotic arms. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've integrated these systems, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Since strong software skills in Python are crucial for this role, prepare to demonstrate your coding abilities. Bring examples of your work, perhaps a GitHub repository, and be ready to explain your thought process behind the code and how it relates to lab automation.
✨Understand the Science
Familiarise yourself with the scientific methods that will be automated in the lab. Being able to translate lab methods into automation-friendly procedures is key, so think about how you can communicate your understanding of both the science and the technology during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company's vision for AI-driven laboratories and how they plan to integrate robotics and machine learning. This shows your genuine interest in their mission and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
