Senior Automation Scientist

Job Summary:

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is building the next generation of AI-driven, autonomous laboratories where experimental science, robotics, and machine learning integrate to design, execute, and optimise experiments dynamically. A critical purpose of our Autonomous Labs (AutoLabs) programme is to generate self driving workflows, particularly in workflows and deployment environments without automation scientists readily available.

We are seeking a highly capable, hands-on Senior Automation Laboratory Scientist to play a central role in this transformation.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

- Execute, optimise and design wet-lab workflows
- Translate scientific objectives into structured, reproducible, automation-ready protocols
- Read scientific literature and independently attempt, execute and troubleshoot protocols found in the literature in the wet lab
- Operate and support laboratory automation platforms, including liquid handling systems
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of a deployable automation platform, increasing robustness and reliability and enabling use by lab techs and scientists without a lab automation scientist in the loop
- Collaborate closely with automation engineers, AI researchers, and interdisciplinary scientific teams
- Maintain rigorous documentation, quality control, and biosafety compliance standards

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

- A PhD in a STEM discipline or equivalent industry experience
- Strong hands-on experience from a wet-lab environment, with a genuine desire to do hands-on work at the bench
- Demonstrated ability to independently execute and troubleshoot laboratory workflows
- Experience translating experimental goals into structured, reproducible protocols
- High attention to detail and commitment to experimental quality
- Scientific curiosity that is open to any area of science (beyond just biology)
- A can-do, build-it-yourself attitude and comfort working in a fast-evolving, technology-driven laboratory environment

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Experience (in rough order of desirability)

- Operating automated laboratory systems (e.g., liquid handlers; experience with Hamilton and OpenTrons is particularly useful)
- Strong familiarity and hands-on experience with molecular biology workflows, particularly sequencing and antimicrobial resistance testing
- Familiarity with structured data capture
- Exposure to programming (e.g., Python) and machine learning concepts
- Team lead experience

You must be able to commute to Oxford 5 days a week for this role.

Benefits

We offer the following salary and benefits:

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Perk Box

Electric Car Scheme

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Why 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 impact!