Laboratory Automation & AI Lead

Join us as a Laboratory Automation & AI Lead and make an invaluable contribution to our Food Safety & Biosecurity!

We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Automation and AI Implementation Expert to join our team. As a Laboratory automation & AI Lead you will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing automation and artificial intelligence solutions to enhance laboratory operations, improve efficiency, and ensure high-quality results. This role requires a deep understanding of laboratory processes, automation technologies, and AI applications.

What you’ll be doing:

• Design and Development:Develop and implement automation solutions for laboratory workflows, including sample processing, data analysis, and reporting.
• AI Integration:Integrate AI technologies to optimize laboratory operations, such as predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and process optimization.
• Project Management:Lead and manage automation and AI projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget.
• Collaboration: Work closely with laboratory staff, IT, and other stakeholders to identify automation opportunities and develop tailored solutions.
• Training and Support:Provide training and support to laboratory personnel on new automation and AI systems, ensuring smooth adoption and operation.
• Continuous Improvement:Monitor and evaluate the performance of implemented solutions, making necessary adjustments to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Compliance:Ensure all automation and AI solutions comply with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices.

What we’re looking for:

• A BSc/MSc in Computer Science, Engineering, Biotechnology, or another appropriate field.
• Significant experience in automation and AI implementation, preferably in a laboratory or healthcare setting.
• Familiar with programming languages (e.g., Python, Java), automation tools (e.g., robotic process automation), AI technologies (e.g., machine learning, neural networks) and Laboratory Robotics. 
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and develop actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proven experience in managing projects, with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• A Strong understanding of quality standards such as ISO17025 and GLP.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• A Certification in lean six sigma, project management, or other relevant technical certifications would be beneficial.

What’s in it for you?

• ​25 days’ holiday (rising to 29) with the opportunity to buy extra leave.
• Flexible working hours, on-site gym, restaurant, and free parking
• The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office, volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice
• Company matched pension, life assurance, a cycle2work scheme, 15 weeks’ fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks…and plenty more.
• Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle – from discounts on retail and socialising, to health & wellbeing, travel and technology
• Access to our Employee Network Groups, which represent every strand of diversity and allow colleagues to connect and learn from each other on an open, inclusive platform
• Fera operates a LTIP ( Long Term Incentive Plan) under which all employees are awarded points towards shares in the Employee Benefits Trust on an annual basis. The Employee Benefits Trust holds shares on behalf of our employee, at the point of an equity event the shares will realise a cash value.

What we hope you’ll do next:

Choose ‘Apply now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you. If you have any questions you’d like to ask before applying, you can contact

We’re an equal opportunity employer, which means we recruit and develop people based on their merit and passion. We’re committed to providing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. If you need the job description or application form in an alternative format or if you’d like to discuss other changes or support you might need going forward, please email at and we’ll get back to you.