Senior Automation Engineer, Laboratory Automation & Biobanking in Oxford

Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients. At Harwell, 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 is a highly technical individual contributor opportunity for an automation expert who thrives on solving complex laboratory challenges, integrating advanced technologies, and building next-generation automated workflows. You will serve as a key technical leader, partnering across laboratory, digital, quality, operations, and external vendor teams to deliver innovative solutions that enhance scientific productivity, data quality, and operational excellence.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• 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.

Here’s What You’ll Need (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 (~25 kg).
• Occasional flexibility in working hours.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (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

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our global benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

• Best-in-class healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs.
• A 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.

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodation

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. We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best. 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 the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.