Automation Scientist

Automation Scientist | Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Oxford Science Park, Oxford

At Oxford Nanopore Technologies, we’re on a mission to enable the analysis of any living thing, by anyone, anywhere. Our groundbreaking sequencing platform delivers real-time analysis, scales from pocket to population, and sequences native DNA or RNA at any read length, from short to ultra-long. Headquartered at the Oxford Science Park with a global presence across the US, Europe, and APAC, we bring together experts in nanopore science, molecular biology, informatics, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing.

We’re looking for a passionate Automation Scientist to join our Sequencing Development and Automation team. This role will focus on developing, optimising, and validating workflows that support population genomics initiatives, enabling large-scale sequencing using Oxford Nanopore technology. You will work across laboratory and automation environments to ensure workflows are robust, scalable, and ready for high-throughput applications.

This hybrid role (50% lab / 50% desk‑based) will see you:

• Design, plan, and deliver end‑to‑end automated workflows on liquid handling systems for internal and external partner projects.
• Work across a range of automation and sequencing platforms to support project needs.
• Analyse data and clearly report experimental results to inform project decisions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑impact products.
• Establish, review, and improve SOPs, ensuring best practice in laboratory operations, health & safety, and risk assessments.
• Act as a technical expert in laboratory automation, providing guidance, troubleshooting support, and training to colleagues.
• Proactively stay up to date with scientific, technological, and automation advances to continuously improve platform capability and efficiency.

• PhD or BSc/MSc with equivalent experience in molecular biology, genomics, biotechnology, or a related life sciences discipline.
• Strong practical experience in NGS sample preparation, DNA/RNA extraction, and core laboratory techniques (pipetting, normalisation, thermocycling, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience operating and coding automated liquid handling systems (e.g. Hamilton STAR, Tecan Dream Prep) in high‑throughput environments.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, proactive approach to working across teams.

• Competitive salary with attractive bonus.
• Generous pension contributions.
• Private healthcare.
• A beautiful working environment within landscaped grounds at the Oxford Science Park.
• The opportunity to work on technology that genuinely changes lives.

If you are looking to utilise your skills to make a real difference to humankind, we would love to hear from you. Apply today.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies:
Our goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. The company has developed a new generation of nanopore‑based sensing technology for faster, information rich, accessible and affordable molecular analysis. The first application is DNA/RNA sequencing, and the technology is in development for the analysis of other types of molecules including proteins.

The technology is used to understand and characterise the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, and whole environments. With a thriving culture of ambition and strong innovation goals, Oxford Nanopore is a UK headquartered company with global operations and customers in more than 125 countries.