At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop next-gen automation platforms for drug discovery.
- Company: UCB, a global biopharmaceutical company focused on neurology and immunology.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, supportive culture, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on inclusion and respect.
- 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 ufficio 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 ufficio automazione in Reading
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Ucb Group!
✨Show Off Your Projects
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✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Ucb Group is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Responsabile ufficio automazione role at Ucb Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Responsabile ufficio automazione in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Ucb Group and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ucb Group
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Ucb Group.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Ucb Group, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
