Lab Automation Specialist in Manchester

Help shape the future of laboratory automation within one of the world’s largest biomedical resources. At UK Biobank, our laboratories sit at the centre of globally significant health research. With access to over 12 million biological samples, the work happening across our laboratory operations supports researchers around the world in advancing the understanding of disease, prevention, and treatment. We’re now investing further in automation and high-throughput laboratory infrastructure, and this role will play a key part in that journey.

As a lab automation specialist, you’ll help bridge the gap between laboratory science and automation engineering, supporting the development of scalable, efficient, and robust automated laboratory processes. This is a hands‑on technical role focused on laboratory automation strategy, workflow development, and systems integration. Working closely with laboratory, systems, and operational teams, you’ll help design and implement automated workflows that support high-throughput sample processing while moving the laboratory environment towards increasingly paperless operations.

You’ll also play a leading role in introducing and optimising new automation systems within a brand-new, state‑of‑the‑art facility, giving you the opportunity to influence how processes are built and evolve over time. Alongside technical delivery, you’ll support mentoring, training, and collaboration across teams to ensure automation capabilities continue to grow across the organisation.

• Working alongside key stakeholders, i.e., Laboratory Systems Managers, to ensure, where applicable, equipment is integrated with Laboratory IT Systems and supports workflows to be paperless.
• Supporting project requirements and delivery.
• Writing scripts for large-scale liquid handlers.
• Workflow Innovation: Designing, visualising, and implementing scalable high-throughput automated workflows to move the laboratory toward a paperless environment.
• Compliance & Quality: Ensuring all operations strictly adhere to ISO 9001, ISO 20387, and the Human Tissue Act (HTA).

Is this you? To be successful, you will have experience in:

• Scripting for liquid‑handling robotics.
• Working effectively under tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Integrating laboratory equipment into LIMS.
• Managing technical teams and initiating complex new workflows.

Leadership & Training: Act as the Lead Trainer, mentoring staff and managing performance to ensure technical competency across the team.

Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility, 3 days onsite with hybrid working available. Located in Greater Manchester (mainly based at Manchester Science Park with occasional travel to Stockport).

EEO Statement: 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. We actively welcome applications from people with disabilities, long‑term health conditions, neurodivergent candidates, and those with diverse thinking styles. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and in the workplace so that everyone can perform at their best.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact Tommy Wilson at jobs@ukbiobank.ac.uk so we can support you.

Your Wellbeing Matters to Us: Our wellbeing score on Indeed is rated as 77% (High) reflecting how people experience working here day‑to‑day. Colleagues often highlight a strong sense of purpose, supportive team culture, and the opportunity to grow. There’s a real focus on learning, flexibility, and feeling valued whether that’s developing new skills, contributing ideas, or building a career within Laboratory Operations.

Benefits:

• 26 Days’ Annual Leave – Plus Bank Holidays.
• Holiday Buy Scheme.
• Birthday Leave.
• USS Pension Scheme.
• Healthcare Cash Plan.
• Enhanced Family Leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Season Ticket Loan.
• Professional Subscriptions.
• £500 annual training budget.
• Free On‑Site Gym.
• Subsidised Canteen Lunches.
• Free Car Parking.
• Employee Discounts Portal.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Annual Flu Vaccination.
• Life Assurance Cover.