Senior Scientist - Automation Oxford, England
OXGENE
Full Time
Oxford, England
28500 - 36297 GBP ANNUAL Today
Job description
Overview
About OXGENE™
OXGENE, a WuXi Advanced Therapies (WuXi ATU) company, develops pioneering technologies to accelerate the discovery and biomanufacture of cell and gene therapies. We recruit only the best from across the globe to join us on our mission. We are focussed on providing our employees with a rich and rewarding work life, developing their skill sets and supporting their own personal aspirations. OXGENE provides expert design and engineering services for viral vector optimisation and cell line development as well as developing innovative new technologies to transform the manufacture of cell and gene therapies.
ROLE OVERVIEW:
You will be the technical lead for the Automation team. The team takes ownership of the development and optimisation of OXGENE’s automated laboratory processes, supporting R&D and commercial projects in line with business needs. The successful candidate will act as a subject matter expert for laboratory automation, and as such, a strong background in automation and programming is essential. You will also contribute to the team’s continuous improvement initiative to build upon existing processes and implement the latest technology within OXGENE’s automated workflows. A key part of your role will be the line management of a small team of junior automation scientists and you will work closely with other technical teams at OXGENE as well as with the broader Scientific Computing Department, therefore strong teamworking and communication skills are required.
Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Be a subject matter expert in Laboratory Automation, working with stakeholders across the company to translate manual assays into automated methods. This includes leading the development of Hamilton Venus methods, software infrastructure, and automated laboratory workflows
- Line manage a small team of junior automation scientists, defining individual goals and deliverables in line with OXGENE's objectives
- Contribute to planning, management and delivery of automation team projects, including estimating timings and costs, scoping, and presenting findings to the team and wider company
- Provide training in automated assays to scientific staff in other teams
- Author and review documentation such as SOPs and reports
- Assist the team with the troubleshooting of automated methods and equipment
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- BSc or MSc in a relevant scientific field (biology, chemistry) with significant relevant laboratory experience, ideally in a commercial/industry setting
- Experience of line managing a small team
- Experience with development and optimisation of complex protocols on liquid handling robotics, preferably Hamilton STAR series robots or equivalent.
- Experience using a general-purpose programming language for problem solving and automated solution development, preferably Python, NodeJS or similar
- Ability to author and review SOPs and reports surrounding automated procedures to a high standard
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team following established quality standards, protocols and SOPs
- Experience with providing training
- Excellent attention to detail, time management, communication and teamworking skills
- Experience with working to project timelines, including project planning and estimating resource requirements
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
- Experience with use of version control software such as Git
- Experience with use of a general-purpose programming language for troubleshooting and integration of automated equipment into liquid handler workflows (e.g. thermal cyclers, plate imagers, plate shakers)
- Proficiency with Linux/UNIX
- Proficiency with SQL and relational databases
- Experience working with a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and/or Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
- Experience working to GxP and/or ISO 9001 standards, for example in controlled testing or manufacturing environments
- Experience working with programmable devices and/or microcontrollers within the context of Automation platforms
- Experience working on rapid prototyping, e.g. 3D printing
Qualifications
JOB LOCATION
We have offices in the UK and USA. This role will be located at The Oxford Science Park, four miles south east of Oxford, with parking and good public transport links from Oxford.
Our UK office address is: Medawar Centre, Robert Robinson Avenue, The Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4HG.
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the application form on our website and attach your CV and cover letter. Your CV should include evidence that demonstrates how you meet each of the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks.
Internal applicants: please apply directly to Human Resources, copying your line manager into the email.
Sending us your personal information means that you are asking us to hold your data on file, and understand that we will only keep it for as long as we need it to comply with the Data Protection Act.
CLOSING DATE
This advert will close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing the opportunity.
INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL CANDIDATES
By the start of employment, the successful candidate must have, and be able to demonstrate, permission to work in the UK.
Unfortunately, as a small company, we have very limited ability to sponsor employees under Tier 2 (General) of the points-based system, and we are unable to sponsor Tier 2 work visas for international graduates / candidates.
MORE ABOUT OXGENE
Company benefits
OXGENE offers a generous benefits package:
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service and 8 UK bank/public holidays per annual leave year and a day off on your birthday
- Pension with salary exchange and generous employer contribution
- Group life cover
- Group Income Protection
- Glasses vouchers
- Employee assistance programme
- Private medical insurance with additional wellness benefits (as a benefit in kind)
- Free tea, coffee, fruit-juice, fruit and biscuits, with kitchen facilities
- Financially incentivised employee referral scheme
Company culture and environment
OXGENE offers a friendly working environment in a diverse and expanding company.
- Modern offices and laboratories
- Opportunity to make a difference in a promotion-from-within environment
- Regular whole-company presentations, including regular scientific updates
- Regular social events, including TGI Friday activities
- Annual two-day staff away days
Diversity and equality of opportunity
We provide all our staff with a welcoming and inclusive workplace that enables and empowers everyone to develop and deliver professional excellence. We recognise that diversity is vital for innovation and creativity and value each individual’s contribution. OXGENE’s decision to employ and promote individuals will be determined by personal merit and the application of criteria related to the role. The ability to perform the role will be the primary consideration on entry into employment and to successfully pass probation.
The application process
When we receive your application, we will look at it carefully to see if you are right for the role. We aim to contact all successful candidates within 2-3 weeks of application. If you haven’t received a telephone call or an e-mail from us in this time, it means you have not been selected on this occasion. Due to the number of applications, we receive, we are unable to provide feedback for candidates who are not selected for interview. We thank you for your application and interest in OXGENE.
Pre-employment screening
All appointments will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include right-to-work in the UK, proof of identity and references.
Information for recruitment agencies
We only accept CVs from our partnership recruitment agencies. Should you wish to be considered as a partner agency, please read the information on our website under ‘Recruitment Agencies’ and complete the online form if you are eligible.
OXGENE
www.oxgene.com
Oxford, United Kingdom
Dr Ryan Cawood
Unknown / Non-Applicable
51 to 200 Employees
Company - Private
Biotech & Pharmaceuticals
2011
