Laboratory Automation Scientist / Laboratory Automation Scientistess

Laboratory Automation Scientist

90%, Basel, permanent

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 seeking 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 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 assays, 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 specialist or in a core facility environment is a plus
• Strong problem-solving skills and a service-oriented mindset
• Excellent team player with multitasking skills and adaptability to various scientific areas

Workplace

The successful candidate will 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, set within a collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary working environment at the D-BSSE of ETH Zurich. Access to cutting-edge technologies at the interface of automation, engineering, biology, and data-driven research will be provided, along with opportunities for professional development in automation, instrumentation, and digital laboratory technologies. Competitive employment conditions and benefits according to ETH Zurich regulations are included.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us — we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Apply Today

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online using the form below. Please ensure that your application matches the job profile; only applications meeting the requirements will be considered.

For further information regarding this position, please contact Dr. Thomas Horn at thomas.horn@bsse.ethz.ch (no applications, please). Additional information about the LAF and the D-BSSE can be found on our website.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. With over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries, our university promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we strive to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.