About SwissCAT+ East
SwissCAT+ East is a national technology platform of the ETH Domain dedicated to advancing catalysis research through data-driven, automated, and high-throughput experimentation. It provides academic and industrial researchers with access to cutting-edge robotic infrastructure, coupled with advanced data analysis, machine learning tools, and expert technical support.
Operating as an open-access facility, SwissCAT+ East supports projects for both academic and industrial research groups in Switzerland and beyond, with a strong emphasis on sustainable catalysis and materials development. Our mission is to translate scientific inquiries into machine-learning-driven, automated experimental workflows while executing complex campaigns with exceptional reproducibility and throughput.
Infrastructure and Capabilities
We continuously expand our unique portfolio of robotic and high-throughput systems for the synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of catalysts under commercially relevant reaction conditions. Our infrastructure comprises both commercial automation platforms and custom-designed systems, developed in collaboration with academic and industrial partners to enhance experimental capabilities beyond off-the-shelf solutions.
Position Overview: Lab Automation Engineer
As a Lab Automation Engineer at SwissCAT+ East, you will be responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, programming, and continuous development of a diverse portfolio of automated and high-throughput laboratory systems. Your role will involve ensuring the reliable operation of complex systems in a user-facing environment while contributing to their technical evolution and supporting scientists in integrating automation into innovative experimental workflows.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance of automated laboratory systems, including synthesis robots, high-throughput reactors, and analytical tools.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues to maintain high uptime in a service-oriented environment.
- Install, qualify, and commission new automation platforms, modules, and upgrades.
- Develop and optimize experimental workflows to support scientific and user-driven projects.
- Create custom automation solutions tailored to specific project needs.
- Support system integration, data flow, and interfacing with digital tools such as LIMS, ELN, and data analysis pipelines.
- Provide training and technical support for platform users and laboratory staff.
- Document systems, procedures, maintenance activities, and best practices.
- Coordinate with external vendors and service providers, including engaging in advanced technical discussions and issue resolution.
Collaborative Environment
The position involves close interaction with scientists, lab technicians, machine learning engineers, and external partners at the intersection of automation, software, and experimental catalysis. It is initially offered as a fixed-term contract with a workload between 80% and 100%, with the intention to transition to a longer-term or permanent position based on project development and mutual agreement.
Qualifications and Experience
- Master’s degree in engineering (e.g., automation, mechanical, electrical, robotics, biomedical, chemical, or related fields) or equivalent practical experience.
- Several years of hands-on experience with laboratory automation, including liquid handling systems, robotic platforms, and automated analytical tools, ideally in a support or system ownership role; experience with commercial laboratory automation platforms is a plus.
- Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, and software components.
- Familiarity with automation software, system configuration, and structured troubleshooting methodologies.
- Experience working in a laboratory, R&D, or industrial environment.
Personal Skills
- Structured, solution-oriented, and reliable working style.
- Ability to work independently while closely collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong interest in automation, instrumentation, and technical problem-solving.
- Willingness to take ownership of complex systems and support users in daily operations.
- Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of German is an advantage.
What We Offer
- A technically challenging and engaging role within a unique national research infrastructure.
- Direct responsibility for state-of-the-art laboratory automation and high-throughput robotic platforms.
- The opportunity to shape and develop automated experimental workflows in close collaboration with scientists and engineers.
- A high degree of autonomy and ownership over complex systems and technical solutions.
- A collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary working environment at ETH Zurich.
- Access to cutting-edge technologies at the interface of automation, catalysis, and data-driven research.
- Opportunities for professional development and skill expansion in automation, instrumentation, and digital laboratory technologies.
- Competitive employment conditions and benefits according to ETH Zurich regulations.
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Dr. Paco Laveille at plaveille@ethz.ch (please do not send applications via email).
For more information about SwissCAT+ East, please visit our website.