Automation Engineer (hybrid or remote)

Automation Engineer London, UK

On-site (with flexibility for hybrid working)

We’re partnered with an early-stage platform biotech startup emerging from stealth , backed by leading venture capital investors. The company is building AI-driven “self-driving laboratories” designed to transform how drug products are developed.

Their platform combines robotics, automation, and machine learning to explore vast formulation spaces, automatically design and run experiments, and continuously learn from the results. By replacing traditional trial-and-error experimentation with high-throughput automated workflows, they aim to reduce formulation development timelines from months to days while unlocking medicines that were previously too complex to develop.

Operating at the intersection of biotech, robotics, and AI, the team is building the next generation of laboratory infrastructure to accelerate pharmaceutical innovation.

That means integrating robots, analytical instruments, and software into reliable, end-to-end workflows, and working closely with scientists to translate their methods into automation that holds up at scale.

Pioneer the next generation of robotic platforms for drug formulation.

Design and automate fully closed loop robotic systems which can be remotely operated

Integrate instruments and robotics via APIs, SDKs, and communication protocols; Develop robust interfacing layers and simulation environments to accelerate development and reduce deployment risk.

Work with scientists to translate lab methods into automation-friendly procedures; work with Data/ML to stream rich telemetry and results downstream.

Advanced degree (PhD) or MSc with equivalent industry experience.

Proven experience automating laboratory workflows with liquid handlers, collaborative robotic arms and common analytics instruments (plate readers, HPLC/UPLC, balances, imagers).

Strong software skills in Python, with comfort using modern tooling: git, containers, and testing frameworks.

Experience with lab automation schedulers (e.g., Background in building simulation environments to de-risk hardware integrations before deployment.

Experience with fabrication and prototyping, including 3D printing custom parts to adapt or extend lab equipment.

Familiarity with data engineering or ML pipelines, particularly for streaming structured experimental telemetry.

Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated lab environments.

Competitive base salary alongside a meaningful equity package, giving you the opportunity to share in the company’s long-term success.

The chance to have real autonomy and impact within an early-stage startup, helping shape both the scientific direction and the development of the platform.

A beautiful, collaborative lab and working space in the heart of Central London, designed to bring scientists, engineers, and data teams together.

Hybrid flexibility, balancing hands-on lab work with the ability to work remotely where appropriate.