At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deploy robotic lab workflows for cutting-edge life science applications.
- Company: Join Sartorius, a global leader in life sciences and biopharmaceuticals.
- Benefits: Flexible work schedules, professional development, and comprehensive health support.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and international teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by innovating lab automation solutions.
- Qualifications: Master’s or PhD in relevant fields with hands-on robotics experience.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Join our Corporate Research team as a Senior Robotics & Lab Automation Engineer. We are looking for a Senior Robotics & Lab Automation Engineer to join the Corporate Research department at Sartorius. You will use your expertise in robotics and lab automation to develop the next generation of intelligent, fully automated lab workflows used by major life science and biopharmaceutical companies worldwide. This role requires expertise in applied robotics, laboratory automation, workflow orchestration, data handling and analysis, and an understanding of biological workflows.
Working with Sartorius you will have access to cutting‑edge robotic platforms and laboratory instrumentation – from collaborative and industrial robot arms to advanced liquid handlers, imaging systems, analytical instruments and bioreactors. You will be able to combine modern robotics tooling (e.g. middleware, orchestration frameworks, simulation and computer vision) with real‑world biological workflows to build robust, production‑grade automated systems. You will join a highly talented interdisciplinary and global team in Corporate Research that brings together robotics, software, data science and domain experts to develop automation, AI and advanced analytics solutions that meaningfully extend what is currently possible in the laboratory. You are driven by curiosity and problem solving, and your personal initiative will translate into innovations that simplify progress for our customers, from early-stage drug discovery to the production of biologics that treat life – threatening and chronic diseases.
This position is available full-time, as a hybrid role with laboratories in Royston, near Cambridge, UK.
Your Responsibilities
- Design, build and deploy robotic lab workflows that integrate liquid handlers, incubators, imaging systems, analytical instruments and sensors into robust, end‑to‑end automated workflows.
- Develop and implement orchestration and scheduling solutions to coordinate multiple devices and robots, enabling repeatable, high‑throughput and closed‑loop laboratory experiments.
- Program and configure robots and lab instruments (e.g. motion, I/O, device APIs, scripting) and ensure safe, reliable operation, calibration and error handling in a laboratory environment.
- Work with biologists and process engineers to translate manual protocols into automated workflows, including sample handling, assay steps, data capture and quality controls.
- Develop tooling and pipelines for data acquisition, logging and traceability across automated workflows, ensuring that instrument telemetry and experimental metadata are available for analysis and model development.
- Collaborate closely with software, data science and biology teams to integrate robotic systems with Sartorius’ digital platforms, analytics tools and cloud services.
- Contribute to concept development, prototyping and scaling of new lab automation concepts, from proof‑of‑concept in the lab to robust, repeatable solutions suitable for productization.
What will convince us
- Master’s degree or PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation, Control Engineering, Computer Science, Bioengineering or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
- Hands‑on experience in robotics or lab automation, such as programming robotic arms, configuring liquid handlers, and integrating laboratory instruments into automated systems.
- Familiarity with automation/orchestration frameworks or robotics middleware (e.g. ROS, OPC UA, message queues, SCADA, custom schedulers or lab automation frameworks).
- Proficiency in Python (and/or another relevant language such as C++ or C#) for scripting, device integration and workflow automation; experience with using APIs and SDKs for instruments and robots.
- Practical experience in industrial automation, autonomous systems, or lab automation; exposure to life science or bioprocess environments is a strong plus.
- Experience with data handling and analysis in automated experiments (e.g. logging device data, handling experimental metadata, basic analysis or visualization).
- Understanding of distributed systems, APIs and cloud‑based services is an advantage (e.g. connecting lab systems to cloud platforms or data lakes).
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to interdisciplinary teams and non‑experts, and to work effectively with scientists, engineers and product stakeholders.
- Experience with working independently to drive the implementation of complex workflows and a willingness to be proactive.
- You have the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues within a large, matrix‑based organization and across global teams.
Nice to have: Experience integrating AI or advanced analytics into laboratory workflows.
In order to commence working with us, the successful candidate will have the right to work in the UK.
What we offer
- As a growing global life science company, stock listed on the German TecDAX, Sartorius offers a wide range of benefits:
- Personal and Professional Development: mentoring, leadership programs, LinkedIn Learning, internal seminar offerings.
- Work-life Balance: Remote options, flexible work schedules.
- Making an impact right from the start: Comprehensive onboarding, including a virtual online platform – even before joining.
- Welcoming Culture: Mutual support, team-spirit and international collaboration; communities on numerous topics such as coaching, agile working and businesswomen network.
- Health & Well-Being: Wide section of health and well-being support such as healthcare plans and health assessment services.
Benefits
- Attractive Working Conditions: 37.5 hours working week, 25 days annual leave, plus public holidays, free parking on site, annual option to buy, sell or carry forward annual leave, free hot and cold drinks, regular social events and free exercise classes.
- Competitive benefits package, including: Group Personal Pension Plan, Private Medical Insurance, Private Dental Insurance, Group Life Assurance, Group Income Protection, Cycle to work scheme.
About Sartorius
Sartorius is part of the solution in the fight against cancer, dementia, and many other diseases. Our technologies help translate scientific discoveries into real-world medicine faster, so that new therapeutics can reach patients worldwide. We look for ambitious team players and creative minds, who want to contribute to this goal and advance their careers in a dynamic global environment. Join our global team and become part of the solution. We are looking forward to receiving your application.
Senior Robotics & Lab Automation Engineer in Royston employer: Sartorius Stedim
Sartorius is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Royston, near Cambridge, where innovation meets collaboration. With access to cutting-edge technology and a strong focus on personal and professional development, employees are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful advancements in life sciences. The company fosters a welcoming culture with flexible work options, comprehensive health benefits, and a commitment to work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those passionate about robotics and lab automation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Robotics & Lab Automation Engineer in Royston
✨Dive into Robotics Meetups
Get yourself out there and connect with others in the robotics-automation field by attending local meetups and industry events. These gatherings are where the magic happens, and you might just rub shoulders with someone from Sartorius Stedim or get insider tips on upcoming vacancies.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Create a portfolio that highlights your robotics projects, whether they're personal, academic, or freelance. Share this on platforms like GitHub or your personal website, as it shows potential employers, like Sartorius Stedim, what you're made of and your hands-on experience in the field.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you're fresh out of university or still connected, don't underestimate your career services. They often have exclusive access to job fairs and employer networking events in technical fields like ours, so make sure you tap into those resources to discover openings at companies like Sartorius Stedim.
✨Engage in Online Communities
Join online communities that focus on robotics and automation, such as forums or LinkedIn groups. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share insights. This not only builds your visibility but could also lead to direct connections at firms like Sartorius Stedim, which might have the full-time role you're after.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Robotics & Lab Automation Engineer in Royston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the robotics and automation field, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills on your CV. Include specific programming languages, software platforms, and any relevant robotics experience. Don’t forget to mention any projects or systems you've developed – this info can really make you stand out!
Portfolio Perfection:Having a polished portfolio can speak volumes for a role in robotics. Include any relevant case studies, designs, or prototypes you've worked on. If you've participated in competitions or hackathons, showcase these achievements as well – they show initiative and problem-solving skills!
Tailored Cover Letter Magic:In your cover letter, don’t just tell us that you love robotics—tell us why you’re passionate about automation specifically! Explain how your skills can contribute to Sartorius Stedim’s projects and remember to connect your past experiences to what you'll be doing in this role.
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, such as in robotic process automation or machine learning, make sure they’re front and centre on your CV. These credentials show you're dedicated to your field and keep you up to date with industry standards – we love to see that!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sartorius Stedim
✨Showcase Your Technical Wizardry
For a role in robotics and automation at Sartorius Stedim, it's crucial to demonstrate your technical skills. Be prepared to dive into specifics about the programming languages and tools you’ve used, like Python or ROS (Robot Operating System). Brush up on your knowledge of algorithms and control systems, as these might come up during technical questions.
✨Bring Your Projects to Life
With a full-time position in robotics, you should have a portfolio of your projects ready to show. Whether it's a robot you built for a competition or a simple automation script, make sure you can discuss the challenges you faced and how you solved them. This hands-on experience is gold and shows you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
✨Think Like an Engineer
Expect some problem-solving scenarios during your interview. You might be asked to design a basic automation solution on the spot or troubleshoot a robotic system. Practising these types of technical questions can really set you apart, as they require critical thinking and a systematic approach to tackle problems.
✨Culture Fit Is Key!
Don’t underestimate the importance of cultural fit at Sartorius Stedim. They might ask about your teamwork experience and how you handle challenges with peers. Be ready to share examples of working in diverse teams, as collaboration is often central to projects in robotics and automation.
