R&D Automation Engineer

Today, Lonza is a global leader in life sciences operating across three continents. While we work in science, there’s no magic formula to how we do it. Our greatest scientific solution is talented people working together, devising ideas that help businesses to help people. In exchange, we let our people own their careers. Their ideas, big and small, genuinely improve the world. And that’s the kind of work we want to be part of.

We seek a proactive, skilled, and enthusiastic Automation Engineer to fulfil an entirely new and unique role at our Slough site, to enhance our research, development, and analytical capacities. You will achieve this by identifying, creating, implementing, and managing state-of-the-art lab automation platforms and technologies in Biologics R&D. This will be the first basis of in-house automation on our site and will work closely with our lab scientists, bioinformaticians, as well as our other newly-created appointment, the R&D Software Engineer, who will be your counterpart on the software side.

If you are someone who brings expertise in multiple commercially accessible automation equipment, liquid handling systems, and robotic arms, coupled with experience in integrating laboratory systems, then we would love to see what you can do!

Key responsibilities:

• Engage directly with laboratory scientists, bioinformaticians, IT personnel, and other stakeholders to comprehend challenges and requirements, and to propose or implement automation solutions accordingly.
• Adapt, tailor, and maintain both new and existing robotic equipment, integrated systems, and liquid handling platforms to facilitate the automation of laboratory processes.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in automation, robotics, and laboratory systems integration.
• Supervise the installation, validation, and qualification of equipment to ensure performance meets standards.
• Ensure adherence to security and operational standards by managing documentation and collaborating with local engineering groups, health and safety offices, and other relevant entities.
• Demonstrate familiarity with Biopharma 4.0 digitalization initiatives.
• Participate in required Lonza training programs.
• Willing to travel to other Lonza sites within the UK and Europe, accounting for approximately 10% of working time

Key requirements:

• Possess an MSc in Bioengineering, Robotics, Computer Engineering or other relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated depth of proficiency and experience in laboratory automation
• Ability in programming and development, ideally using one of the following laboratory automation software/hardware and liquid handlers: Hamilton Vantage/STAR line, Tecan Fluent/Evo
• Hands-on experience integrating and programming third-party automation hardware such as robotic arms and plate readers.
• Proficient programming skills in Python or another object-oriented language relevant to automation.
• Proven track record of innovation and experience in leading complex technology projects
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities to a diverse audience

Every day, Lonza’s products and services have a positive impact on millions of people. For us, this is not only a great privilege, but also a great responsibility. How we achieve our business results is just as important as the achievements themselves. At Lonza, we respect and protect our people and our environment. Any success we achieve is no success at all if not achieved ethically.

People come to Lonza for the challenge and creativity of solving complex problems and developing new ideas in life sciences. In return, we offer the satisfaction that comes with improving lives all around the world. The satisfaction that comes with making a meaningful difference.

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