Senior Automation… job at Ellison Institute of Technology

Ellison Institute of Technology is hiring: Senior Automation Scientist. Job Summary:The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT)…

Company: Ellison Institute of Technology · Work mode: on site · Contract: Full-time

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. 
Key Responsibilities<ul><li>Execute, optimise and design wet-lab workflows</li><li>Translate scientific objectives into structured, reproducible, automation-ready protocols</li><li>Read scientific literature and independently attempt, execute and troubleshoot protocols found in the literature in the wet lab</li><li>Operate and support laboratory automation platforms, including liquid handling systems</li><li>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</li><li>Collaborate closely with automation engineers, AI researchers, and interdisciplinary scientific teams</li><li>Maintain rigorous documentation, quality control, and biosafety compliance standards</li></ul> Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience <ul><li>A PhD in a STEM discipline or equivalent industry experience</li><li>Strong hands-on experience from a wet-lab environment, with a genuine desire to do hands-on work at the bench</li><li>Demonstrated ability to independently execute and troubleshoot laboratory workflows</li><li>Experience translating experimental goals into structured, reproducible protocols</li><li>High attention to detail and commitment to experimental quality</li><li>Scientific curiosity that is open to any area of science (beyond just biology)</li><li>A can-do, build-it-yourself attitude and comfort working in a fast-evolving, technology-driven laboratory environment</li></ul> Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Experience (in rough order of desirability) <ul><li>Operating automated laboratory systems (e.g., liquid handlers; experience with Hamilton and OpenTrons is particularly useful)</li><li>Strong familiarity and hands-on experience with molecular biology workflows, particularly sequencing and antimicrobial resistance testing</li><li>Familiarity with structured data capture</li><li>Exposure to programming (e.g., Python) and machine learning concepts</li><li>Team lead experience</li></ul>You must be able to commute to Oxford 5 days a week for this role. 
We offer the following salary and benefits: Enhanced holiday pay Pension Life AssuranceIncome ProtectionPrivate Medical Insurance Hospital Cash PlanTherapy ServicesPerk BoxElectric Car Scheme--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!