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 laboratory automation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private healthcare, and a cool office vibe.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in scientific research with innovative automation technology.
- 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
- Ph D 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 escalate 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.
Ready to apply? We'd love to hear from experienced automation professionals who are passionate about laboratory automation, operational excellence and continuous improvement.
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
- (no agencies, thank you)
Scientist Automation 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
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Ivy Farm Technologies. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Ivy Farm Technologies!
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist Automation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Ivy Farm Technologies that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Ivy Farm Technologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Ivy Farm Technologies does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivy Farm Technologies
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Ivy Farm Technologies. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Ivy Farm Technologies's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Ivy Farm Technologies. This shows your passion for the industry!
