At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement automation systems for cutting-edge lab experiments.
- Company: Join Multus Biotechnology, a leader in innovative cell culture media design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stock options, flexible hours, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on inclusion, diversity, and meaningful contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in science with automation and AI technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in lab automation, strong Python skills, and collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
ABOUT MULTUS
Multus Biotechnology is a global leader in cell culture media design, helping biomanufacturing companies accelerate the translation of scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. By combining high-throughput robotic automation and AI, Multus revolutionises cell culture media development - delivering breakthrough performance and efficiency that were previously unattainable. Multus is a fast-paced, collaborative team that enjoys working hard in pursuit of our mission. We've created a unique work environment, with a team unified in our drive to create lasting and meaningful impact on a global scale.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Multus is offering the opportunity for a Lab Automation Engineer to put automation at the heart of how we do science. At the core of Multus is our automated experimental capabilities to generate proprietary, large-scale structured datasets on cell-culture media that power our machine learning models. You will be joining to expand our automation capabilities to support our upcoming commercial pipelines/obligations. Collaborating deeply with both scientific and engineering teams, you will be essential in our integrated closed-loop design process for media.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Design and implement the orchestration layer that coordinates instruments, robotic handling, and data capture across our automated lab.
- Write and maintain software drivers for scientific instruments, including vendor API integration and support for communication standards.
- Automate experimental workflows that integrate robotics, instrument control and real-time data analysis.
- Leverage open-source lab automation frameworks and other vendor lab orchestration software to fit our specific instrument suite and research needs.
- Work directly with biological scientists and ML researchers to translate experimental protocols into reliable, reproducible automated pipelines.
- Maintain and improve the reliability of running automated workflows, including error handling, logging, and recovery from instrument failures.
- Evaluate and integrate new instruments and robotic systems as our lab capabilities expand.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven experience building automation systems for scientific laboratories, either in industry or at a research institution.
- Strong Python skills; comfortable building production-quality software.
- Direct experience writing software drivers or integrations for scientific instruments, and an understanding of the challenges involved: inconsistent vendor documentation, brittle communication protocols, hardware edge cases.
- Experience with lab orchestration frameworks or similar open-source or commercial systems.
- Hardware fluency to diagnose whether a problem is in the software, the instrument, or the integration between them.
- Experience designing automated workflows end-to-end: from sample handling through measurement, data capture, and handoff to downstream analysis.
- Comfortable working in a lab environment and collaborating closely with scientists.
PERSONALLY, YOU:
- Are comfortable working in a multi-disciplinary environment, balancing multiple stakeholders and contributing effectively across teams.
- Take ownership of your work, proactively seek opportunities to contribute, and enable others to do their best work.
- Communicate openly and directly, give and receive feedback constructively, and handle challenging conversations with respect.
- Actively seek out diverse perspectives, build strong working relationships, and contribute to shared goals across teams.
- Embrace challenges with openness and resilience, set high standards for yourself, and strive to deliver meaningful outcomes.
INTERVIEW PROCESS
- Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.
- Screening call (30 minutes).
- Technical Interview (90 minutes).
- Final interview w/ Founders.
OUR VALUES
- TENACITY – WE PUSH THE BOUNDARY WITHOUT FEAR OF FAILURE.
- COLLABORATION – WE WORK TOGETHER INCLUSIVELY, CONSTRUCTIVELY & EFFICIENTLY.
- CANDOUR – WE TALK TO EACH OTHER WITH RESPECT AND INTEGRITY.
OUR ED&I STATEMENT
Multus is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces inclusion, diversity, and belonging. At Multus, we are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels they belong, are enabled to thrive, are respected for who they are, know that they matter, and are empowered to contribute meaningfully. We believe that diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration drive innovation and make us stronger together.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive salary dependent on experience.
- Stock option plan.
- 25 days' holiday + flexible bank holidays.
- Flexible working hours.
- Optional private health insurance.
- Pension plan.
- Collaborative and driven team environment.
- Company socials and office snacks.
Lab Automation Engineer employer: Multus
Multus is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving human and planetary health through innovative cell culture media solutions. Located in White City, our collaborative work culture fosters teamwork and inclusivity, while offering competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and opportunities for personal growth. Join us to be part of a mission-driven team that values tenacity, collaboration, and candour, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact in the bioeconomy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Automation Engineer
✨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 Multus. 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 Multus!
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Automation Engineer
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 Multus 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 Multus.
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 Multus 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 Multus
✨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 Multus. 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 Multus'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 Multus. This shows your passion for the industry!