At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the future of lab automation and tackle complex challenges in biomarker science.
- Company: Join Moderna, a pioneer in mRNA science transforming medicine.
- Benefits: Top-notch healthcare, generous time off, and wellness support for your well-being.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a collaborative culture await you at our Harwell site.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with cutting-edge technology in a dynamic lab environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in lab automation, strong coding skills, and a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. You will help shape the future of laboratory automation within Moderna’s Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, driving the development of highly integrated, scalable, and digitally connected laboratory systems. Working at the intersection of automation engineering, biomarker science, data architecture, and emerging AI capabilities, you will enable high-throughput clinical biomarker operations that directly support Moderna’s clinical development portfolio. This role is for an automation expert who thrives on solving complex laboratory challenges, integrating advanced technologies, and building next‑generation automated workflows.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a technical leader for laboratory automation within the Clinical Biomarker Laboratory, supporting and expanding automation capabilities across biomarker testing and sample management operations.
- Design, develop, implement, and optimize automated workflows for biomarker assays utilizing advanced liquid handling platforms, including Hamilton technologies and Hamilton VENUS software.
- Lead the deployment of integrated automation solutions, including dynamic scheduling platforms that enable efficient coordination of laboratory processes.
- Translate manual laboratory workflows into scalable, high‑throughput, automated systems that improve efficiency, consistency, and operational performance.
- Act as the subject matter expert for complex automation troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and technical issue resolution across automation platforms.
- Develop and implement solutions that enable seamless data integration between laboratory instruments, automation systems, LIMS platforms, and enterprise applications.
- Design, build, and maintain robust data structures, data pipelines, and workflow architectures supporting laboratory automation and biomarker assay operations.
- Develop and support system integrations using REST APIs, web services, middleware technologies, and modern connected laboratory architectures.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of AI‑enabled and machine‑learning‑driven laboratory workflows, automation enhancements, and decision‑support capabilities.
- Partner closely with Digital teams to create connected laboratory ecosystems that leverage data, automation, and emerging technologies to accelerate scientific outcomes.
- Provide technical leadership and operational support for automated biobanking platforms, including systems such as Hamilton BiOS.
- Ensure operational readiness, reliability, maintenance, and performance optimization of automated sample storage and biobanking systems.
- Support commissioning, qualification, validation, and lifecycle management activities for automation and sample management platforms.
- Drive improvements in sample tracking, inventory control, storage efficiency, and end‑to‑end sample management processes.
- Serve as system owner for critical laboratory automation platforms, ensuring reliability, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Evaluate, identify, and implement new automation technologies, software solutions, and digital capabilities that support future laboratory needs.
- Lead investigations into automation deviations, system issues, and performance gaps, implementing corrective and preventive actions where required.
- Maintain accurate documentation, technical records, and system configurations in accordance with SOPs, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
- Ensure automation systems operate in compliance with applicable GLP and GCLP requirements and support validated laboratory operations.
- Collaborate extensively with Automation, Immunoassay, Operations, Digital, QA/Validation, and external partner organizations to deliver integrated solutions aligned with clinical development priorities.
- Interface with vendors and technology partners to support system implementation, optimization, upgrades, and long‑term platform strategy.
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to colleagues across automation initiatives.
- Deliver training and knowledge transfer to laboratory personnel on automation platforms, workflows, and best practices.
Key Mindsets
- We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.
- We obsess over learning and value the ability to learn the fastest.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Robotics, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in laboratory automation or robotics.
- Experience with liquid handling systems and automation platforms.
- Experience integrating systems using APIs (REST or similar), databases, or middleware technologies.
- Based on‑site at Harwell, UK.
- Ability to work in a laboratory environment.
- Ability to lift equipment/materials with assistance (~25kg).
- Occasional flexibility in working hours.
Preferred Qualifications
- Programming experience in Python, Java, C++, or similar.
- Experience with data structures, database design, and LIMS integration.
- Exposure to AI/ML applications in laboratory or automation workflows.
- Experience with Hamilton platforms (VENUS, BiOS).
- Experience with automation scheduling software (Momentum, Cellario, etc.).
- Familiarity with web services (REST/SOAP) and distributed systems.
- Experience in regulated environments (GCP, GLP, ISO standards).
- Knowledge of version control (Git) and Agile methodologies.
- Strong troubleshooting and communication skills.
Pay & Benefits
- Best‑in‑class healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs.
- Holistic approach to well‑being with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support.
- Family building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year‑end shutdown.
- Savings and investments to help you plan for the future.
- Location‑specific perks and extras.
Moderna is committed to equal opportunity in employment and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which they have applied should contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
Senior Automation Engineer, Laboratory Automation & Biobanking in Harwell employer: Moderna Therapeutics
Moderna is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration in the field of laboratory automation, particularly at our Harwell, UK location. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and training. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that is dedicated to transforming medicine and making a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Automation Engineer, Laboratory Automation & Biobanking in Harwell
✨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 Moderna Therapeutics!
✨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 Senior Automation Engineer, Laboratory Automation & Biobanking position at Moderna Therapeutics, 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 Moderna Therapeutics 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 Senior Automation Engineer, Laboratory Automation & Biobanking role at Moderna Therapeutics!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Automation Engineer, Laboratory Automation & Biobanking in Harwell
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 Moderna Therapeutics 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 Moderna Therapeutics
✨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 Moderna Therapeutics.
✨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 Moderna Therapeutics, 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.
