At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and optimise automated workflows in a cutting-edge lab environment.
- Company: Join Ivy Farm, a forward-thinking company focused on innovative laboratory automation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and a cool office vibe.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and creativity.
- Why this job: Take ownership of impactful automation projects and collaborate with experts.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in laboratory automation and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Automation Scientist looking to take ownership of cutting-edge laboratory automation in a fast-paced and collaborative environment? We’re looking for a hands-on scientist with proven laboratory automation expertise to join our Lab Automation team in Oxford. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in maintaining and developing automated workflows, supporting cell-based assay automation, and ensuring the reliable operation of our Hamilton STAR platform within the automation suite.
About the Role
As an Automation Scientist, you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance and continuous improvement of our automation suite. You’ll apply your practical automation experience to develop, validate, troubleshoot and optimise automated laboratory workflows while supporting cell culture activities and ensuring high standards of laboratory operation. This role would suit an established automation professional who already has extensive experience working with liquid handling systems and automated laboratory processes and is comfortable taking ownership of workflows from implementation through to routine operation.
What You'll Be Doing
- Automation & Workflow Development
- Develop, validate, optimise and troubleshoot automated workflows on Hamilton STAR liquid handling platforms
- Translate manual laboratory protocols into robust, scalable and reproducible automated methods
- Support method implementation, testing and continuous improvement activities
- Apply approved workflow updates and method enhancements
- Automation Suite Operations
- Maintain the automation suite in a clean, organised and operational state
- Carry out routine deck strip-downs, cleaning, equipment maintenance and room readiness checks
- Provide first-line support to automation users and operators
- Calibration & Verification
- Perform liquid-class calibration activities and maintain accurate calibration records
- Conduct liquid verification assays and support performance assessments of automated methods
- Review and interpret calibration and verification data to ensure consistent system performance
- Cell Culture & Laboratory Support
- Establish and maintain development cell seed trains for automation development activities
- Undertake routine cell culture activities to support workflow validation and development
- Apply strong aseptic technique and best laboratory practices
- Stock Management & Compliance
- Monitor and manage laboratory consumables and reagent inventory
- Maintain accurate, traceable documentation in line with company procedures
- Ensure compliance with SOPs, health and safety requirements and data integrity standards
What We're Looking For
Essential
- PhD or equivalent years experience in a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent laboratory automation experience
- Proven experience working as an Automation Scientist or similar laboratory automation role
- Hands‑on experience operating, maintaining and troubleshooting liquid handling automation platforms, ideally Hamilton STAR
- Experience developing and implementing automated laboratory workflows from manual methods
- Strong practical laboratory skills, including accurate pipetting and sample handling
- Experience with aseptic technique and cell culture or cell handling workflows
- Good data handling and record‑keeping skills, including Excel proficiency
- Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and elevate issues appropriately
- Experience working to SOPs and maintaining high‑quality laboratory documentation
Desirable
- Advanced Hamilton STAR programming experience
- Experience with liquid‑class calibration, assay validation or method verification
- Familiarity with LIMS, ELNs or digital laboratory data management systems
- Experience supporting operators or collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
- Experience working within regulated or quality‑focused laboratory environments
What Success Looks Like
In your first six months, you’ll become fully embedded within the environment and independently support:
- Routine Hamilton STAR operations
- Liquid‑class calibration and verification activities
- Workflow troubleshooting and method implementation
- Cell culture activities supporting automation development
- Day‑to‑day ownership of suite readiness and operator support
Longer term, you’ll become a key contributor to the reliable operation and continuous improvement of our laboratory automation capabilities.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a highly visible automation platform, work alongside experienced automation specialists, and directly influence the development of robust automated scientific workflows that support cutting‑edge research and development. And just to confirm, here at Ivy Farm, we’re an employer that believes in creating a workplace where everyone feels included and valued, no matter who they are.
Total Package: (Full‑time, on‑site role) At Ivy Farm, we believe that every employee should be compensated fairly. Based on the skill and level of experience required for this role. You will also be eligible for:
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Company pension contribution 5%
- Private health care from day one
- Shares Company Bonus, eligible from day one
- Oodles of amazing fresh ground coffee, tea and snacks
- Company events
- Fabulous super cool office environment, we’re biased, but let’s face it… it’s cool
Scientist Automation in Oxford employer: Ivy Farm Technologies
Ivy Farm Technologies is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Oxford where innovation meets sustainability. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth and development, alongside the opportunity to contribute to meaningful advancements in food security. With a focus on cutting-edge bioprocessing techniques, team members are empowered to make a real impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a vibrant and forward-thinking location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist Automation in Oxford
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Ivy Farm Technologies!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Scientist Automation position at Ivy Farm Technologies, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Ivy Farm Technologies is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Scientist Automation role at Ivy Farm Technologies!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist Automation in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Ivy Farm Technologies and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivy Farm Technologies
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Ivy Farm Technologies.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Ivy Farm Technologies, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
