Laboratory Automation Scientist / Laboratory Automation Scientistess

Laboratory Automation Scientist

Location: 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, including Hamilton, HighRes, and 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 expert with hands-on biological expertise, enabling high-quality, reproducible, and scalable experimental workflows in an academic research environment. The successful candidate will play a crucial role at the interface of laboratory automation technologies and multidisciplinary life science research, collaborating 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 various scientific backgrounds.
• Previous experience as a laboratory automation specialist or previous experience 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 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 newly established laboratory automation platforms and will have the opportunity to shape and develop automated experimental workflows in close collaboration with scientists and engineers. This role offers a high degree of autonomy and ownership over complex systems and technical solutions. It is situated in a collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary working environment at the D-BSSE of ETH Zurich, providing 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 features competitive employment conditions and benefits in accordance with ETH Zurich regulations.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture and promotes equality of opportunity, valuing diversity while nurturing a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. We are dedicated to sustainability and consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further inquiries about this position, please contact: Dr. Thomas Horn (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. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. More than 30,000 individuals from over 120 countries consider our university a place that inspires independent thinking and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe while forging connections worldwide, we collaborate to develop innovative solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.