Senior Automation Specialist

3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicantsGet AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) tackles humanity's greatest challenges by turning science and technology into impactful global solutions. Focused on areas like health, food security, sustainable agriculture, climate change, clean energy, and robotics in an era of artificial intelligence. EIT blends groundbreaking research with practical applications to deliver lasting results.A cornerstone of EIT mission is its upcoming 300,000-square-foot research facility at the Oxford Science Park, set to open in 2027. This cutting-edge campus will feature advanced labs, an oncology and preventative care clinic, and collaborative spaces to strengthen its partnership with the University of Oxford. It will also host the Ellison Scholars, driving innovation for societal benefit.The Pathogen Mission highlights EIT's transformative approach, using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Oracle's cloud technology to create a global pathogen metagenomics system. This initiative aims to improve diagnostics, provide early epidemic warnings, and guide treatments by profiling antimicrobial resistance. The goal is to deliver certified diagnostic tools for widespread use in labs, hospitals, and public health.EIT fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and resilience, valuing diverse expertise to drive sustainable solutions to humanity's enduring challenges.Job Summary:We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Senior Automation Specialist to support the development and scaling of advanced laboratory automation solutions within its Pathogen Program. This role will help establish automation capabilities for high-throughput workflows in genomics and phenotypic characterisation of pathogens, with flexibility to expand into other research domains.EIT's longer-term vision is to build an AI-driven autonomous laboratory, where experimental workflows are dynamically designed, executed, and optimised through integrated robotics, sensors, informatics, and machine learning. The ideal candidate will bring experience in this emerging frontier of scientific automation.You will play a key role in building robust automated processes, programming and integrating robotic platforms, supporting users, and contributing to the foundation of a scalable and intelligent lab environment.RequirementsAutomation Design and ImplementationContribute to the development of automation strategies supporting high-throughput sequencing and phenotyping workflowsAssist in evaluating and deploying liquid handling systems, lab robotics, and scheduling softwareBuild and maintain automated protocols for sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, library prep, and functional assaysSystem Integration and ProgrammingProgram and maintain robotic systems (e.g., Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter) and integrate them with lab instrumentation (e.g., incubators, thermocyclers, plate readers)Support the setup and configuration of orchestration tools (e.g., Cellario, Green Button Go, Momentum)Troubleshoot process and equipment issues using a rigorous and methodical engineering approachCollaboration and SupportWork closely with scientists and data teams to convert manual protocols into reproducible automated workflowsTrain lab users on automated systems, support method transfers, and contribute to SOP documentation and change control processesBiosafety and Lab IntegrationSupport the implementation of automation systems within BSL-2 and BSL-3 environments, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirementsHelp optimizs equipment layouts and workflows within these controlled lab settingsEssential Knowledge, Skills and Experience:Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Robotics, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.Proficiency with liquid handlers (e.g., Tecan, Hamilton, Beckman Coulter) and integration of lab instrumentsStrong scripting and automation programming skills (e.g., VENUS, EVOware, Python) and familiarity with orchestration platformsDemonstrated ability to develop, test, and troubleshoot complex automated workflowsDesirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:Experience in pathogen genomics or phenotyping, especially within BSL-2/BSL-3 laboratoriesFamiliarity with LIMS systems and data-integrated lab environmentsUnderstanding of molecular workflows such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, library preparation, and AST/MIC assaysExperience mentoring or training scientists and technicians on automated platformsExperience in AI-driven lab automation, including integration of sensors, machine learning models, or closed-loop experimentation systemsBenefitsWe offer the following salary and benefits:Salary: Competitive salary on offerEnhanced holiday payPensionLife AssuranceIncome ProtectionPrivate Medical InsuranceHospital Cash PlanTherapy ServicesPerk BoxElectrical Car SchemeWhy work for EIT:At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impactTerms of Appointment:You must have the right to work permanently in the UK with a willingness to travel as necessaryYou will live in, or within easy commuting distance of, OxfordDuring peak periods, some longer hours may be required and some working across multiple time zones due to the global nature of the programmeSeniority levelSeniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionJob functionScienceIndustriesIT Services and IT ConsultingReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford by 2xGet notified about new Automation Specialist jobs in Oxford, England, United Kingdom.Abingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoAbingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoReading, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks agoReading, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoNewbury, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks agoOxford, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago(Senior) Control Systems / Automation EngineerWitney, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoTheale, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoAbingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 2 days agoWallingford, England, United Kingdom 1 month agoBuckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoTechnical Manager - Industrial AutomationBanbury, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks agoOxford, England, United Kingdom 8 months agoQuality Assurance Engineer II - TechnicalWitney, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoAssociate Manager, Automation (RPA & AI)Newbury, England, United Kingdom 17 hours agoTrainee Coding & Programmer Placement ProgrammeAylesbury, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoTrainee Coding & Programmer Placement ProgrammeReading, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoI'd love to work at PQShield - Speculative ApplicationOxford, England, United Kingdom 4 months agoReading, England, United Kingdom 2 days agoJunior Embedded Software Engineer (UNB033)Reading, England, United Kingdom 4 days agoTechnical Manager - Industrial AutomationBanbury, England, United Kingdom 1 month agoOxford, England, United Kingdom 1 month agoAbingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 1 month agoOxford, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoBanbury, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoBicester, England, United Kingdom 1 month agoAbingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 4 days agoOxford, England, United Kingdom 4 months agoSenior Robotics Software Engineer (Integration & Validation)Oxford, England, United Kingdom 3 days agoReading, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks agoAbingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoBanbury, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoGrove, England, United Kingdom 1 week agoOxford, England, United Kingdom 6 days agoWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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