Associate Scientist - Laboratory Automation

Summary

Responsibility: Laboratory automation

Salary: Competitive London band at Research Associate/ Associate Scientist level

Starting date: As soon as possible

Location: White City, London, UK

About us

Valink Therapeutics is a spinout from the University of Oxford with a mission to revolutionise the field of bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (bsADC) discovery. We have developed the most advanced drug discovery platform for complex modalities, capable of generating and screening over 1,000 drug candidates per week to uncover novel, first-in-class bsADCs that others cannot. Our approach utilizes automation work cells capturing cytotoxicity, target expression, payload sensitivity, and related correlations, offering high potential for expansion into other modalities, assay types, and protocols that accelerate and enhance future drug discovery efforts.

Role Summary

The role supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of laboratory automation workflows that enable research and development activities. Working closely with scientists, software engineers, and laboratory operations, the role contributes to the operation and optimization of automated laboratory platforms, assisting in the development of reliable, scalable, and reproducible experimental processes. The position is responsible for executing automated workflows, supporting laboratory instrumentation, troubleshooting automation-related issues, and maintaining accurate documentation to ensure efficient laboratory operations.

This role provides the opportunity to develop technical expertise in laboratory automation, liquid handling technologies, assay automation, and laboratory software while supporting the delivery of high-quality, reproducible scientific data.

Automation and Workflow Support

• Execute and optimize automated laboratory workflows to support R&D activities.

• Assist in the development and validation of automated methods and protocols.

• Identify workflow improvements to enhance efficiency, reproducibility, and data quality.

Automation Platforms and Equipment

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated laboratory platforms and associated instrumentation.

• Coordinate routine equipment maintenance, calibration, and servicing activities.

• Maintain accurate equipment records and technical documentation.

Laboratory Operations and Documentation

• Prepare reagents, consumables, and laboratory materials required for automated workflows.

• Maintain automation protocols, experimental records, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Ensure automated workflows are performed in accordance with laboratory quality standards.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Follow laboratory health, safety, and regulatory requirements when operating automation platforms.

• Contribute to risk assessments, safety documentation, and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) compliance.

• Maintain a safe, organised, and compliant laboratory environment.

Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with scientists, software engineers, and laboratory operations to support automation projects.

• Contribute to the evaluation and implementation of new laboratory technologies.

• Continuously develop technical knowledge in laboratory automation and emerging technologies.

Candidate Profile

BSc/MSc or equivalent qualification in a scientific, engineering, computer science, or related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience. We are looking for a motivated individual with an interest in laboratory automation, technology, and software development, who is eager to learn and grow within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Required:

• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and understanding of coding principles and algorithmic logic.

• Excellent organisational and communication skills with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.

• Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies, including laboratory automation, cloud platforms (e.g. AWS), and digital tools supporting laboratory workflows.

Desirable:

• Experience with laboratory automation platforms or liquid handling systems (e.g. Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Opentrons, or similar).

• Familiarity with programming or scripting languages (e.g. Python, JavaScript, C#, or similar).

Experience with laboratory infrastructure, instrument integration, networking, or hardware troubleshooting.

• Previous industrial experience in a relevant setting.

What we offer

• Competitive salary

• Stock option plan

• 25 days of holiday, plus bank holidays

• Bupa private medical insurance and life assurance

• Matched pension contributions

• Cyclescheme

Diversity and inclusion

Our science knows no boundaries. We welcome applicants from any background to apply, without discrimination on the basis of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education, and national origin.

How to apply

Apply through the relevant application form or email us with your CV and your interest in applying via the career's portal here .