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, including Hamilton, HighRes, and other automation devices.

Project Background

We are seeking a highly motivated laboratory automation specialist to support and enhance automated workflows across our robotic platforms. This position integrates the responsibilities of a laboratory automation specialist with hands-on biological expertise, facilitating high-quality, reproducible, and scalable experimental workflows in an academic research setting. The successful candidate will serve as a vital link between laboratory automation technologies and multidisciplinary life science research, collaborating closely with scientists across various 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 assist in introducing 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.
• Must be an excellent team player with multitasking abilities and adaptability to various scientific areas.

Workplace

This role offers a challenging, hands-on position within a state-of-the-art research infrastructure. The successful candidate will assume direct responsibility for a newly established laboratory automation platform and will have the opportunity to shape and further develop automated experimental workflows in close collaboration with scientists and engineers. A high degree of autonomy and ownership over complex systems and technical solutions is afforded in this role, which is based in a collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary working environment at the D-BSSE of ETH Zurich. The successful candidate will have access to cutting-edge technologies at the intersection of automation, engineering, biology, and data-driven research.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture. We foster equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a work and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

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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 the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries regard our university as a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located at the heart of Europe, we forge connections worldwide to develop solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges.