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What do you do at SPT Labtech?

Tiago Monteiro is an Applications Development Scientist within SPT Labtech’s internal Applications team. Based primarily in the lab, he develops, tests, and validates automated workflows across SPT Labtech’s liquid handling portfolio, working closely with internal R&D teams and external collaborators. His role helps ensure new hardware, software, and applications are practical, intuitive, and aligned with real customer use.  

How did your path lead you here? 

Tiago’s journey into automation began with a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology. He completed his academic training in Portugal, where his PhD focused on bioelectrochemical biosensors and sustainable, green chemistry approaches.

Just before completing his doctorate, Tiago moved to the UK, timing that coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He joined the Sanger Institute as part of a high-throughput genomics pipeline supporting national COVID sequencing efforts. What began as a short-term role quickly expanded into nearly two years, exposing him to large-scale automation, robotics, sequencing workflows, and training within rapidly growing teams.

Afterward, Tiago joined a Cambridge-based startup focused on developing a benchtop DNA synthesizer, where he helped validate R&D work using his sequencing expertise. Having previously used SPT Labtech instruments as a customer, joining the company felt like a full-circle moment, combining his background in biology, automation, and system-level thinking.

What does a typical day look like? 

Tiago’s role is highly lab-focused, with most days spent on site. His mornings often start with a team check-in to align on priorities, coordinate shared instruments, and plan experiments across multiple projects.

From there, the day moves into the lab, setting up reagents, running experiments, executing workflows on instruments, and validating results. Some projects focus on testing new applications or adapting existing protocols, while others involve acting as an internal user for new hardware or software features, providing feedback from a customer-centric perspective.

Alongside experimentation, Tiago also contributes to reporting, internal documentation, collaboration updates, and general lab management to keep everything running smoothly.

What’s the best part of your job? 

Tiago’s favorite part of the role is pushing boundaries, exploring what’s possible with the instruments, tackling unconventional questions, and adapting established protocols to new technologies. This blend of discovery and hands-on experimentation makes every day as an Applications Development Scientist exciting for him.  

How are you making a difference at SPT Labtech? 

Having experienced automation both as a customer and as an internal applications scientist, Tiago sees firsthand how user-friendly technology supports meaningful scientific progress. Automation helps reduce the burden of repetitive tasks and frees scientists to focus on interpreting data, asking questions, and advancing research faster.

For Tiago, making a difference means building tools that work with scientists, enhancing productivity while supporting thoughtful, high-quality science.

What does life outside the lab look like? 

Outside of work, Tiago enjoys board games, miniature war games, and the creative process of building and painting miniatures, combining artistic expression with a curiosity for how materials and techniques work at a scientific level.

He also loves reading (currently diving into The Witcher series), going to the movies, and spending time with his partner, another scientist, sharing thoughtful, science-infused conversations about everyday life.