Field Automation Scientist
Field Automation Scientist
Location: UK-based (remote, with travel)
Travel: ~35-50% (sporadic, project-based)
The Opportunity
We are supporting a growing life sciences technology company following the departure of a senior field specialist who has moved into a customer-facing role. Off the back of a new product launch, the company is now looking to hire a Field Automation Scientist to support customers across the UK and US.
This is a highly technical, hands-on role sitting at the intersection of laboratory science, automation, software, and customer engagement. The position offers significant autonomy, flexibility, and exposure to cutting-edge automation and AI-driven technologies.
The role can be based anywhere in the UK, with a preference for candidates located within reasonable distance of a major airport due to occasional on-site project work.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the technical lead supporting customers using advanced automated laboratory platforms
- Deliver remote technical support, including logging into customer systems, troubleshooting workflows, and optimising performance
- Write and adapt scripts to control automated systems and robotic workflows (e.g. instructing robots what to do)
- Support AI-enabled automation solutions, working closely with software and product teams
- Lead installations and onboarding projects, which may involve 1-2 weeks on-site during key phases
- Provide ongoing application support, training, and workflow optimisation for customers
- Build strong, long-term relationships with scientists and technical stakeholders at customer sites
- Act as a trusted technical advisor, helping customers solve complex scientific and automation challenges
Travel & Working Pattern
- Travel is sporadic rather than constant, typically driven by installations or major projects
- Average travel is expected to be around 35-50%, varying by project phase
- Significant remote flexibility, with much of the role involving remote support, scripting, and customer interaction
Background & Experience
- Scientific background (e.g. life sciences, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, or similar)
- Experience working in a laboratory environment, ideally hands-on with automation or analytical instrumentation
- Comfortable working with automated systems, robotics, or complex lab equipment
- Experience with programming or scripting (or strong motivation to develop these skills)
- Confident supporting customers in a field-facing or applications-focused role
- Strong problem-solving mindset and ability to work through complex technical challenges
What Makes This Role Different
- More technically challenging than a traditional field applications role
- Strong focus on automation, AI, and software-driven lab workflows
- High level of autonomy and flexibility
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge products that are actively shaping the future of laboratory automation