At a Glance
- Tasks: Bridge lab science and automation to create efficient, paperless workflows.
- Company: Join UK Biobank, a leader in biomedical research with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days of leave, healthcare plans, gym access, and a £500 training budget.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in advancing disease understanding through innovative lab automation.
- Qualifications: Experience with liquid-handling robotics and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
UK Biobank is one of the world’s largest biomedical resources, with over 12 million biological samples. Our laboratories support researchers globally in advancing the understanding of disease, prevention, and treatment. We are investing heavily in automation and high‑throughput laboratory infrastructure; this role will play a key part in that journey.
As a lab automation specialist, you will bridge laboratory science and automation engineering, supporting scalable, efficient, and robust automated processes. Working closely with laboratory, systems, and operational teams, you’ll design and implement high‑throughput workflows to enable paperless operations and introduce and optimise new automation systems in a state‑of‑the‑art facility.
Responsibilities
- Work with Laboratory Systems Managers to ensure equipment is integrated with Laboratory IT Systems and supports paperless workflows.
- Support project requirements and delivery.
- Write scripts for large‑scale liquid handlers.
- Design, visualise, and implement scalable high‑throughput automated workflows to move the laboratory toward a paperless environment.
- Ensure all operations strictly adhere to ISO 9001, ISO 20387, and the Human Tissue Act (HTA).
Qualifications
- Experience scripting for liquid‑handling robotics.
- Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
- Experience integrating laboratory equipment into LIMS.
- Ability to manage technical teams and initiate complex new workflows.
- Leadership and training experience – act as the Lead Trainer, mentoring staff and managing performance to ensure technical competency across the team.
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
Working hours are 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility. There are three days onsite with hybrid working available, primarily based at Manchester Science Park with occasional travel to Stockport.
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 for support.
Our equality and diversity statement: we are an equal opportunities employer and make recruitment decisions solely on skills, experience, and suitability for the role.
Lab Automation Specialist in Manchester employer: UK Biobank
UK Biobank is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of biomedical research in Manchester. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including a £500 annual training budget, and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion, we empower our Lab Automation Specialists to thrive in their roles while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in health science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Automation Specialist in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the lab automation field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with scripting for liquid handlers or designing automated workflows, create a portfolio or a project showcase. We love seeing practical examples of what you can do!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of ISO standards and the Human Tissue Act. We want to see that you’re not just technically savvy but also aware of the regulations that govern our work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates who are ready to make an impact in lab automation.
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Automation Specialist in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lab Automation Specialist role. Highlight your experience with liquid-handling robotics and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about lab automation and how you can contribute to our mission at UK Biobank. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills in your application. Mention any experience you have with integrating laboratory equipment into LIMS or designing automated workflows. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Biobank
✨Know Your Tech
Familiarise yourself with the specific liquid-handling robotics and automation systems mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with scripting for these systems, as well as any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Workflow Design Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous experiences designing high-throughput workflows. Bring examples of how you've optimised processes in a lab setting, especially those that moved towards paperless operations. Visual aids or diagrams can really help illustrate your points.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
Since this role involves mentoring and managing technical teams, be prepared to share specific examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've trained staff, managed performance, and ensured technical competency within your team.
✨Understand Compliance Standards
Brush up on ISO 9001, ISO 20387, and the Human Tissue Act (HTA). Be ready to explain how you ensure compliance in your work and why it's crucial in a laboratory environment. This shows that you take regulations seriously and understand their importance in research.
