At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to design and implement cutting-edge automation in drug discovery.
- Company: Join UCB, a global leader in innovative healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, career growth, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for innovation and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of automated drug discovery and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in lab automation with a relevant degree; leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Overview
As Principal Scientist / Automation Team Leader in Cellular Pharmacology, you will lead the automation group to design and implement scalable, high-quality pharmacological assays and automation platforms.
You’ll steer automation strategy, develop scientists, and potentially take on early-project leadership to accelerate therapeutic delivery.
You will collaborate across UK Research and externally, shaping the future of automated drug discovery at UCB.
- Pay / Benefits
- hybrid-first work model
- global collaboration culture
- inclusive and equal opportunity employer
- adjustments process available
- growth and career development
- values-driven, patient-focused environment
Responsibilities
- Lead the automation team in transferring cell-based and biochemical assays to automated platforms
- Evaluate and introduce transformative automation technologies and workflows to broaden automation autonomy
- Partner with therapeutic project teams to shorten learning cycles and speed delivery of novel therapeutics
- Collaborate with Data scientists to weave automated workflows into UCB’s digital architecture
- Provide scientific leadership, drive innovation, identify investment opportunities, and contribute to automation strategy
- Key requirements
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph D in a relevant scientific discipline
- 5+ years’ experience building and scaling laboratory automation in drug discovery, including liquid handling, robotics, and digital integration
- Extensive knowledge of current and future automation technologies in drug discovery and ability to share insights
- Proven track record of delivering scientific innovations in biological assay automation
- Understanding of drug invention and early development processes, with awareness of external scientific trends
- Experience in scientific team leadership is desirable
- Experience with AI/ML-driven orchestration software in lab-in-the-loop platforms would be beneficial
- strong leadership and people management
- collaboration across cross-functional teams
- strategic thinking and problem solving
- laboratory automation and workflow design
- liquid handling and robotics
- digital integration and data architecture for automation
Automation Team Leader in Slough 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 Automation Team Leader in Slough
✨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
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Automation Team Leader position at Ucb Group, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨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 Automation Team Leader role at Ucb Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Team Leader in Slough
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.
