At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop next-gen automation platforms for drug discovery.
- Company: Join UCB, a global biopharmaceutical leader focused on neurology and immunology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, hybrid work, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with top scientists and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient care through innovative automation strategies.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in lab automation with a relevant scientific degree.
The predicted salary is between 61200 - 74800 £ per year.
Make your mark for patients. We are looking for a Principal Scientist / Automation Team Leader who is innovative and agile to join our Cellular Pharmacology group located in Slough, UK (Windlesham, Surrey from spring 2027).
About the role: In this role, as the leader of our Automation team, you will help build the next generation of automation platforms at UCB. You will manage a team dedicated to developing and implementing automated pharmacological screening assays that generate high-quality, biological data, rapidly and at scale. Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will drive automation strategy within the department, lead and develop scientists, and may take on Associate/Project Leadership responsibilities for early-stage projects.
Who you'll work with: Working within the Target Evaluation and Primary Pharmacology department, you will collaborate with scientists and colleagues across UK Research and other disciplines, contributing to departmental and project strategies. You will also build external scientific connections, representing UCB through professional networks, conferences, seminars, publications and patents.
What you'll do:
- Lead a highly skilled team of automation specialists and scientists in the transfer of cell-based and biochemical assays to automated platforms.
- Evaluate and introduce transformative new automation technologies and workflows that expand the autonomy and generality of automation at UCB.
- Partner with therapeutic project teams to reduce learning cycle timelines and accelerate the delivery of novel therapeutics.
- Work with Data scientists to integrate automated workflows within the digital architecture at UCB.
- Provide scientific leadership, drive innovation, identify opportunities for investment, and contribute to the development of automation strategy within UCB.
Interested? For this role you'll need the following education, experience and skills:
- A Bachelor's, Master's or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline.
- 5+ years' experience of building and scaling laboratory automation within drug discovery environments, including in-depth experience with liquid handlers, robotics, and digital integration.
- Extensive knowledge of currently available and future automation technologies in the field of drug discovery, with the ability to apply expertise strategically and share insights with peers and senior colleagues.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver scientific innovation within biological assay automation and identify opportunities for novel approaches.
- Knowledge of the drug invention and early development process, together with awareness of relevant external scientific trends.
- Experience of scientific team leadership is desirable.
- Experience working with AI/ML-driven orchestration software within lab-in-the-loop platforms would be beneficial.
Are you ready to 'go beyond' to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
About us: UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are over 9,000 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.
Why work with us? At UCB, we don't just complete tasks, we create value. We aren't afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected, and has equal opportunities to do their best work. We 'go beyond' to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that's on our patients, our employees, or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential. At UCB, we've embraced a hybrid-first approach to work, bringing teams together in local hubs to foster collaborative curiosity. Unless expressly stated in the description or precluded by the nature of the position, roles are hybrid with 40% of your time spent in the office.
UCB is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be made without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable laws. Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on EMEA-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.
Job Summary: Job number: 94550 Date posted: 2026-10-30 Profession: Research & Development Employment type: Permanent
Responsabile Automazione in Reading employer: Ucb Group
UCB is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are encouraged to push boundaries and create meaningful value for patients. Located in Slough, our hybrid-first approach allows for flexibility while working alongside experienced scientists in a supportive environment that prioritises personal growth and career development. Join us to be part of a team that values inclusivity and empowers you to make your mark in the biopharmaceutical industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Responsabile Automazione in Reading
✨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 Ucb Group. 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 Ucb Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Responsabile Automazione in Reading
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 Ucb Group 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 Ucb Group.
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 Ucb Group 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 Ucb Group
✨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 Ucb Group. 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 Ucb Group'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 Ucb Group. This shows your passion for the industry!
