Senior Technical Specialist - DMTA Sample Management

Shape the future of drug discovery through automation, innovation and technical expertise. Are you passionate about laboratory automation, sample management and solving complex technical challenges? Do you thrive in an environment where you can influence how work is done, mentor others and help develop next‑generation capabilities? We're looking for a Senior Technical Specialist to join our Sample Management team at our Cambridge site.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced scientist or technical specialist who wants to combine hands‑on laboratory work with technical leadership, automation development and continuous improvement.

As a key technical expert within the team, you'll play a vital role in supporting drug discovery programmes through the development, optimisation and delivery of automated sample management workflows.

• Design, develop and optimise automated liquid and sample handling methods.
• Troubleshoot complex technical, workflow and equipment challenges.
• Translate scientific requirements into efficient, robust and scalable automated processes.
• Work with state‑of‑the‑art laboratory automation technologies and sample management platforms.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance quality, efficiency and throughput.
• Mentor and train colleagues, helping to build technical capability across the team.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, IT specialists and external vendors to deliver innovative solutions.
• Contribute to future technology and equipment planning, helping shape the strategic direction of the function.

We're interested in talented individuals who bring a combination of technical expertise, curiosity and a collaborative mindset.

You’ll ideally have:

• Significant laboratory experience within sample management, laboratory automation, drug discovery or a related scientific environment.
• Experience developing, optimising and troubleshooting laboratory methods, protocols or workflows.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the confidence to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills and a passion for sharing knowledge with others.
• The ability to mentor, coach and support colleagues’ development.
• A scientific qualification or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience with automation platforms such as Labcyte Echo, High Res, Beckman, Janus, Tecan Fluent, STP Mosquito, Smart Cell or Hamilton Tube Store would be advantageous, although we’re equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate transferable automation expertise and a desire to learn.

This role offers much more than day‑to‑day technical delivery. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Work with cutting‑edge automation technologies supporting drug discovery.
• Develop expertise across multiple platforms and technologies.
• Influence technical strategy and future capability development.
• Lead improvement initiatives and make a visible impact.
• Mentor and develop others while continuing to grow your own career.
• Join a collaborative, supportive team that values innovation, learning and continuous improvement.

You’ll be someone who enjoys understanding how things work, finding better ways of doing them and helping others succeed. You are technically curious, solutions‑focused and excited by the opportunity to contribute to scientific progress through automation and operational excellence. If you’re ready to take your technical expertise to the next level and play a key role in advancing drug discovery capabilities, we’d love to hear from you.

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