Scientist, Automation & Technical Facilities

bit.bio is an award-winning spinout from the University of Cambridge. Our breakthrough technology combines synthetic and stem cell biology for the precise, efficient and consistent reprogramming of human cells used in research, drug discovery, and cell therapy. At bit.bio, we are passionate about engineering human cells that will enable the medicine of the future. To do this we need talented and curious people who want to make an impact on the future of science and therapeutics.

As a team of individuals, we value science, collaboration, openness, curiosity and creativity. We are united by trust and respect for each other.

Location: Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge

Type: Full time, permanent 

Salary: Competitive / Hours: 40 p/w

Office/Lab Based Position

Your role in our team:

We are looking for an outstanding Scientist, Automation & Technical Facilities to help drive the automation support for teams across the bit.bio organisation including Research & Development, Operations and Commercial. This role is responsible for assisting in the delivery of automated solutions for a wide range of applications, including R&D, process improvement, scale-up, UX and technical support. 

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate with equipment users to develop, optimise, and implement automated workflows and protocols, ensuring optimal efficiency and performance.
• Contribute to the establishment of key validation criteria for platform improvement and scale up processes which have been developed using automation.
• Optimise, validate and troubleshoot high-throughput automated workflows.
• Take part in equipment breakdown deep-dive activities and root cause analysis to mitigate recurrence.
• Provide comprehensive training and hands-on support to equipment users on automation platforms and systems, empowering them to operate and utilise systems effectively and independently.
• Support in the development and creation of documentation, e.g. equipment risk assessments, for new and existing automated systems
• Maintain awareness of new developments in the field of laboratory automation.
• Support a proactive, continual improvement culture and systems to maintain high standards of service and good practice.  

You…

• Hold a minimum BSc (Hons) qualification (or equivalent experience), with a specific background in Cell or Molecular Biology.
• Have demonstrable hands-on laboratory experience in an automation-associated role, developing processes using various liquid handling systems within a Life Sciences R&D environment. 
• Are a proactive team player with excellent prioritisation and organisational abilities.
• Are a solution-oriented problem solver.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

With essential experience in…

• Proficient in the maintenance and routine use of at least one of the following laboratory automation/liquid handling systems: Hamilton MicroLab STAR, Analytik Jena CyBio Felix or Biomek.
• Experience in writing automation method scripts for any of the above liquid handling systems. 
• Experience of developing cell culture workflows for automated liquid handlers.
• Demonstrable hands-on experience in optimising, validating and troubleshooting high throughput workflows. 
• Experience in the validation, implementation, and production of documentation for automation systems.
• Advising and collaborating with equipment users to develop and optimise SOPs and assay protocols. 
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to provide solutions to their automation workflows. 

…and possibly…

• Experience in the use of integrated systems for high throughput workflows.
• Proficiency in Python programming language. 
• A solid technical scientific background and an understanding of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their role in drug discovery.

More reasons to join us:

bit.bio provides a vibrant and dynamic work environment in an exciting, fast-moving time for biology. We work with cutting edge technologies and with our world-leading scientific advisory board. We conduct pioneering work with real-world impact.

We trust our people to make significant contributions early on with opportunities to be involved in projects that are key to the success and growth of our young company. We invest in people, creating opportunities for personal development in an inclusive multi-skilled team with ambitious goals that provide opportunities to learn on the job from each other.

Creativity and open minds are encouraged for everyone to contribute to the success of the company.

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