Senior Machine Learning Scientist – Advanced AI & Automation in Royston

Join our Corporate Research team as a Senior Machine Learning Scientist. We are looking for a Senior Machine Learning Scientist to join the Corporate Research department at Sartorius. You will use your expertise in modern machine learning, computer vision and robotics to design AI-driven automation for next-generation Sartorius instruments and lab workflows used by major life science and biopharmaceutical companies worldwide. This role requires expertise in Large Language Models (LLMs), Vision-Language Models (VLMs) and multi-agent systems to orchestrate complex, robotics-driven end-to-end experimental and manufacturing workflows.

Working with Sartorius you will have unique access to large scale, high quality biological and process data across different bioanalytics and bioprocess modalities, from live-cell imaging to bioreactor operations and lab instrumentation telemetry. You will also contribute to our collaboration with NVIDIA, using advanced AI computing platforms to accelerate the development of smarter, more autonomous research and manufacturing solutions.

You will join a very talented interdisciplinary and global data science team in Corporate Research that develops AI and advanced analytics solutions that “moves the needle” in what is currently possible. 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, with opportunity to be based remotely in the UK, with required travel regularly to Sartorius relevant sites, e.g., Royston near Cambridge.

• You will design and deploy AI-driven solutions for robotics, lab automation and smart instruments, including orchestration of liquid handling systems, incubators, imaging devices and analytical sensors.
• Develop and optimize architectures leveraging LLMs and VLMs for multimodal perception, control and exception-handling in automated laboratory and manufacturing workflows.
• Build intelligent scheduling and planning agents to coordinate fleets of devices and robots, enabling closed-loop experimentation, process optimization and autonomous lab operations.
• Apply graph-based and sequential models to represent experimental workflows, material flows and equipment state, improving predictive maintenance and process robustness.
• Integrate AI agents with automation frameworks, messaging systems and device APIs to enable reliable data and command flows across Sartorius’ digital and bioprocessing ecosystem.
• Collaborate closely with robotics, software, process engineering and product teams to translate user needs into robust, production-grade AI and automation capabilities.

• Master’s or PhD degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Machine Learning, Control Engineering or related disciplines.
• Experience with LLMs (e.g., GPT, LLaMA) and VLMs (e.g., CLIP, Flamingo) applied to perception, workflow guidance or automation use cases.
• Hands-on experience with multi-agent systems and orchestration frameworks or robotics middleware (e.g., ROS, OPC UA, message queues).
• Practical experience with robotics, lab automation, industrial automation or autonomous systems; exposure to life science or bioprocess environments is a strong plus.
• Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Basic knowledge of graph theory, planning or reinforcement learning and their application to decision-making in complex systems.
• Understanding of distributed systems, APIs and cloud-based deployment of AI and automation services.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to interdisciplinary teams and non-experts.
• You describe yourself as a conceptual and creative thinker with excellent organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• You have the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues within a large, matrix-based organization.

In order to commence working with us, the successful candidate will have the right to work in the UK.

• 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.

• 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.