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.
Job Overview
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.
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