Principal Automation Scientist, In-Vitro Cell-based Screening and Mechanistic Profiling in Oxford

This role isn’t just about doing science — it’s about reinventing how it’s done. As a subject matter expert you will lead initiatives to transform functional genomics and cell-based screening through automation and application of digital tools, turning in vitro discovery into a smarter, faster engine for breakthrough targets.

As a Principal Automation Scientist in the In Vitro Discovery & Delivery (IDD) department, you will define and deploy automation solutions and implement digital applications to accelerate data generation for in vitro functional genomics, cell-based screening, and large-scale mechanistic profiling. You will lead the design, deployment and adoption of automated solutions tailored to complex in vitro cell-based workflows, drive the choice and use of digital data applications and FAIR-aligned practices to scale throughput, and ensure reproducibility for predictive target discovery across the IDD team based in Oxford. You will be instrumental in the team’s ability to generate high-quality multi-modal datasets to improve the probability of success for novel targets and pipeline projects, supporting more informed target nominations and de-risking portfolio decisions.

Your responsibilities

• Strategic leadership: Define roadmaps and cross functional programs to transform in vitro target discovery through automation, advanced data capture and multiomic integration.
• Automation & digital systems: Evaluate and implement scalable, production ready solutions (robotics, LIMS/ELN integrations, data and imaging pipelines) to standardise experimental execution and data capture.
• FAIR data & tooling: Drive enterprise adoption of FAIR principles; set metadata, data model and API standards and champion data provenance and accessibility.
• Advanced analysis & ML: Oversee statistical frameworks, scalable analysis pipelines and fuel machine learning models with data for predictive target discovery; ensure validation, explainability and deployment.
• Stakeholder engagement: Act as senior partner to Target Discovery, Functional Genomics, Technology Leaders, Digital Biology, Biology AI, IDD US and Novo Nordisk automation engineers; build external collaborations with vendors, CROs, academia and industry partners.

The In Vitro Discovery & Delivery (IDD) department, based at Novo Nordisk Research Centre in Oxford is part of Novo Nordisk Global Research. As a state-of-the-art target discovery and validation research department, it is responsible for identifying novel targets with mechanisms of action for diseases aligned with Novo Nordisk therapy area priorities. The centre uses innovative and unbiased in silico and in vitro human-centric collaborative approaches to identify new therapeutic opportunities for type 2 diabetes and obesity, and their associated cardiometabolic co-morbidities including MASH, and cardiovascular disease. The department also drives productive collaborations with academia (particularly the University of Oxford) and biotechnology partners. The In Vitro Science team is part of a global organisation, including a team based at the Novo Nordisk research centre in Boston. Together, we work closely with our therapy area partners in the Global Research in Boston and Denmark to progress novel targets into Novo Nordisk’s early project pipeline.

Your skills & qualifications

• PhD or MSc in life sciences, computational biology, or related field.
• Extensive experience with medium to high throughput in vitro functional genomics and cell-based screening, automation and digital workflows.
• Proven track record implementing FAIR data practices and deploying digital tools to support data analytics at scale, ensuring future-proof data usage.
• Strong coding, data engineering and automation platform experience; familiarity with cloud/ML pipelines desirable.
• Outstanding communication abilities and effective interpersonal collaboration skills.

Every day we seek the solutions that defeat serious chronic diseases. To do this, we approach our work with determination, constant curiosity and a commitment to finding better ways forward. For over 100 years, this dedication has driven us to build a company focused on lasting change for long-term health. One where diverse thinking, shared purpose and mutual respect come together to create extraordinary results. When you join us, you’re not just starting a job – you’re becoming part of a story that spans generations.

Deadline 13th February 2026.

Novo Nordisk is not your typical healthcare company. In a modern world of quick fixes, we focus on solutions to defeat serious chronic diseases and promote long-term health. Our unordinary mindset is at the heart of everything we do. We seek out new ideas and put people first as we push the boundaries of science, make healthcare more accessible, and treat, prevent, and even cure diseases that affect millions of lives. Because it takes an unordinary approach to drive real, lasting change in health.

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.