Laboratory Automation Scientist

Laboratory Automation Scientist

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The Laboratory Automation Facility (LAF) is a central research and service platform within the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) at ETH Zurich, located in Basel. We provide scientists and students in our department with access to complex laboratory workflows on automated liquid handling systems, such as Hamilton, HighRes, as well as other automation devices.

Project background

We are looking for a highly motivated laboratory automation specialist to support and advance automated workflows across our robotic platforms. This position combines the responsibilities of a laboratory automation application specialist with hands-on biological expertise to enable high-quality, reproducible, and scalable experimental workflows in an academic research environment. The successful candidate will play a key role at the interface of laboratory automation technologies and multidisciplinary life science research, working closely with scientists from diverse disciplines including molecular biology, microbiology, and cell biology.

Job description

Design, implement, optimize, and maintain automated laboratory workflows for life science applications

Provide expert support for laboratory automation platforms (e.g. liquid handling robots, integrated systems, scheduling software)

Collaborate with researchers to translate biological assays into automated or semi-automated processes

Support applications in molecular biology, microbiology, and cell biology (e.g. PCR/qPCR, NGS library prep, cell-based essays, high-content screening, microbial cultivation, cloning)

Train and advise users on automation systems, best practices, and experimental design

Troubleshoot technical and biological issues related to automated workflows

Contribute to documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance

Evaluate and help introduce new automation technologies and methods within the core facility

Profile

PhD in life sciences, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a related field

Strong background in biological laboratory techniques, particularly in molecular biology, microbiology, and/or cell biology

Practical experience with laboratory automation systems (e.g. liquid handlers, robotic workstations)

Familiarity with automation software (e. g. Hamilton Venus), scripting, or workflow scheduling (e.g. HighRes Cellario) and experience with standard programming languages such as Python, C++, Matlab or R

Understanding of assay development and adaptation for automated environments

Ability to communicate effectively with researchers from different scientific backgrounds

Previous experience as a laboratory automation application specialist or previous experience in a core facility environment is a plus

Strong problem-solving skills and a service-oriented mindset

Must be excellent team player with multitasking skills and the ability to adapt to working in a variety of scientific areas

Workplace

Workplace

We offer

The position is a technically and scientifically challenging hands-on role within a state-of-the-art research infrastructure. The successful candidate will have direct responsibility for a newly established laboratory automation platforms and have the opportunity to shape and further develop automated experimental workflows in close collaboration with scientists and engineers. The position offers a high degree of autonomy and ownership over complex systems and technical solutions. The role is based in a collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary working environment at the D-BSSE of the ETH Zurich. The successful candidate will have access to cutting-edge technologies at the interface of automation, engineering, biology, and data-driven research. There are opportunities for professional development and skill expansion in automation, instrumentation, and digital laboratory technologies. The position comes with competitive employment conditions and benefits according to ETH Zurich regulations.

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

Detailed CV

Cover letter detailing your motivation

List of references

Copy of proof of your highest degree

Do not use artificial intelligence to generate your application documents. Note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information regarding this position can be obtained from Dr. Thomas Horn (thomas.horn@bsse.ethz.ch - no applications please). More information about the LAF and the D-BSSE can be found on our website

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.