At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Automation Test Analyst, ensuring software quality through automated testing.
- Company: UK Biobank is a leading health research resource with a vast digital infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of annual leave, hybrid working, and a free on-site gym.
- Other info: Work in a diverse environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values detail and continuous improvement in software quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in automated testing, Playwright, JavaScript/TypeScript, and DevOps principles required.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 48000 £ per year.
Automation Test Analyst
Application Deadline: 26 October 2025
Department: Data & Technology
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Cheadle
Reporting To: Felicity Hardy-Birt
Compensation: £45,000 - £48,000 / year
Description
At UK Biobank, the integrity of our systems underpins the reliability of one of the world’s largest and most important health research resources.
With millions of data points and a growing digital infrastructure, it’s vital that our systems are stable, scalable, and secure. That’s where you come in.
As an Automation Test Analyst, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of our software through smart, automated testing strategies. Working at the heart of our Data & Technology team, you’ll help drive improvements that reduce delivery time, enhance user satisfaction, and uphold the standards expected of a globally respected research resource.
Can you do it?
Reporting to the Test Lead, you’ll help build and maintain a high-performing test automation framework using Playwright to support the continuous delivery of robust applications. You’ll work closely with developers, product owners, and security experts to embed automated testing throughout the software development lifecycle.
You will be responsible for:
- Creating an automation framework using Playwright
- Maintaining the automation tests to ensure they pass successfully
- Building and maintaining an understanding of code bases to create automated regression packs that might aid ongoing support and future development
- Participating in the full software development life cycle (SDLC) establishing the required scope of the features in order to write automated tests and help prevent defects
This is a key role for someone who thrives on detail, enjoys building solutions from the ground up, and is passionate about software quality and continuous improvement.
Is this you?
To be successful, you will have:
- Demonstrable experience in automated software testing and ensuring quality across complex and business-critical applications
- Knowledge and experience with Playwright Automation
- Experience with using JavaScript or TypeScript
- Knowledge and experience of DevOps principles, practices, and tools
Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, hybrid working is available. Located in Greater Manchester (initially based in Stockport with a move to Manchester Science Park mid to late 2026).
Our passion for diversity and equality means creating a work environment for all employees that is welcoming, respectful, engaging, and enriched with opportunities for personal and professional development.
Your Wellbeing Matters to Us
We’re proud to offer a benefits package that supports your health, financial security, and work-life balance - right from day one. Here’s what you can look forward to as part of our team:
- 🗓️ 26 Days’ Annual Leave - Plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
- ➕ Holiday Buy Scheme - Purchase up to one additional week of leave per year.
- 🎂 Birthday Leave - Enjoy a paid day off to celebrate your birthday.
- 🏦 USS Pension Scheme - Hybrid defined benefit/defined contribution pension plan.
- 🏥 Healthcare Cash Plan - Claim back costs for everyday health expenses.
- 👶 Enhanced Family Leave - Available from day one for maternity, paternity, and adoption.
- 🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme - Save on a new bike and accessories.
- 🚆 Season Ticket Loan - Interest‑free loan to help with commuting costs.
- 📄 Professional Subscriptions - Reimbursement where applicable.
- 📚 Learning budget - Annual funds for courses, books, or anything else that fuels your personal and professional growth.
- 🏋️ Free On‑Site Gym - Stay active with access to our gym facilities.
- 🍽️ Subsidised Canteen Lunches - Enjoy healthy meals at reduced prices.
- 🚗 Free Car Parking - On‑site parking available for staff.
- 🛍️ Employee Discounts Portal - Access to savings across retail, travel, and more.
- 📞 Employee Assistance Programme - Confidential support for personal and work‑related issues.
- 💉 Annual Flu Vaccination - Stay protected with free flu jabs.
- 🛡️ Life Assurance Cover - Financial protection for your loved ones.
#LI-Hybrid
The job advert closing date may change, so we recommend that if you are planning to apply that you do so without delay.
Automation Test Analyst in Cheadle employer: UK Biobank Limited
At UK Biobank, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As an Automation Test Analyst in Cheadle, you will benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth through professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and a healthcare cash plan. Join us in making a meaningful impact on global health research while enjoying the advantages of hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and equality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Test Analyst in Cheadle
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at UK Biobank Limited or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to UK Biobank Limited.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like UK Biobank Limited.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like UK Biobank Limited that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Test Analyst in Cheadle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at UK Biobank Limited.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at UK Biobank Limited and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Biobank Limited
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If UK Biobank Limited uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
