Ivy Farm Technologies
Scientist Automation
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Are you an experienced Automation Scientist looking to take ownership of cutting-edge laboratory automation in a fast-paced and collaborative environment?
We're looking for a hands-on scientist with proven laboratory automation expertise to join our Lab Automation team in Oxford. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in maintaining and developing automated workflows, supporting cell-based assay automation, and ensuring the reliable operation of our Hamilton STAR platform within the automation suite.
About the Role
As an Automation Scientist, you'll be responsible for the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of our automation suite. You'll apply your practical automation experience to develop, validate, troubleshoot, and optimise automated laboratory workflows while supporting cell culture activities and ensuring high standards of laboratory operation.
This role would suit an established automation professional who already has extensive experience working with liquid handling systems and automated laboratory processes and is comfortable taking ownership of workflows from implementation through to routine operation.
What You'll Be Doing
Automation & Workflow Development
- Develop, validate, optimise, and troubleshoot automated workflows on Hamilton STAR liquid handling platforms
- Translate manual laboratory protocols into robust, scalable, and reproducible automated methods
- Support method implementation, testing, and continuous improvement activities
- Apply approved workflow updates and method enhancements
Automation Suite Operations
- Maintain the automation suite in a clean, organised, and operational state
- Carry out routine deck strip-downs, cleaning, equipment maintenance, and room readiness checks
- Provide first-line support to automation users and operators
Calibration & Verification
- Perform liquid-class calibration activities and maintain accurate calibration records
- Conduct liquid verification assays and support performance assessments of automated methods
- Review and interpret calibration and verification data to ensure consistent system performance
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Cell Culture & Laboratory Support
- Establish and maintain development cell seed trains for automation development activities
- Undertake routine cell culture activities to support workflow validation and development
- Apply strong aseptic technique and best laboratory practices
Stock Management & Compliance
- Monitor and manage laboratory consumables and reagent inventory
- Maintain accurate, traceable documentation in line with company procedures
- Ensure compliance with SOPs, health and safety requirements, and data integrity standards
What We're Looking For
Essential
- PhD or equivalent years experience in a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent laboratory automation experience
- Proven experience working as an Automation Scientist or similar laboratory automation role
- Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting liquid handling automation platforms, ideally Hamilton STAR
- Experience developing and implementing automated laboratory workflows from manual methods
- Strong practical laboratory skills, including accurate pipetting and sample handling
- Experience with aseptic technique and cell culture or cell handling workflows
- Good data handling and record-keeping skills, including Excel proficiency
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and escalate issues appropriately
- Experience working to SOPs and maintaining high-quality laboratory documentation
Desirable
- Advanced Hamilton STAR programming experience
- Experience with liquid-class calibration, assay validation, or method verification
- Familiarity with LIMS, ELNs, or digital laboratory data management systems
- Experience supporting operators or collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
- Experience working within regulated or quality-focused laboratory environments
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What Success Looks Like
In your first six months, you'll become fully embedded within the environment and independently support:
- Routine Hamilton STAR operations
- Liquid-class calibration and verification activities
- Workflow troubleshooting and method implementation
- Cell culture activities supporting automation development
- Day-to-day ownership of suite readiness and operator support
Longer term, you'll become a key contributor to the reliable operation and continuous improvement of our laboratory automation capabilities.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a highly visible automation platform, work alongside experienced automation specialists, and directly influence the development of robust automated scientific workflows that support cutting-edge research and development.
Ready to apply? We'd love to hear from experienced automation professionals who are passionate about laboratory automation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
And just to confirm, here at Ivy Farm, we're an employer that believes in creating a workplace where everyone feels included and valued, no matter who they are.
Total Package: (Full-time, on-site role)
At Ivy Farm, we believe that every employee should be compensated fairly. Based on the skill and level of experience required for this role.
You will also be eligible for:
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Company pension contribution 5%
- Private health care from day one
- Shares
- Company Bonus, eligible from day one
- Oodles of amazing fresh ground coffee, tea, and snacks
- Company events
- Fabulous super cool office environment, we’re biased, but let’s face it... it’s cool
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