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. The platform provides academic and industrial researchers with access to state-of-the-art robotic infrastructure, combined with advanced data analysis, machine learning tools, and expert technical support.
Operating as an open-access infrastructure, SwissCAT+ East supports projects for both academic and industrial research groups in Switzerland and internationally, with a strong emphasis on sustainable catalysis and materials development. Our mission is to translate scientific questions into machine-learning-driven and automated experimental workflows while executing complex experimental campaigns with high reproducibility and throughput.
Role Overview
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 contributions will ensure reliable day-to-day operation in a user-facing environment while supporting scientists in integrating automation into new experimental workflows.
Main Responsibilities
- Preventive and corrective maintenance of automated laboratory systems, including synthesis robots, high-throughput reactors, and analytical tools.
- Troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues to ensure high system uptime.
- Installation, qualification, and commissioning of new automation platforms, modules, and upgrades.
- Development and optimization of experimental workflows to support scientific and user-driven projects.
- Creation of custom automation solutions to address specific project needs.
- Support system integration, data flow, and interfacing with digital tools such as LIMS, ELN, and data analysis pipelines.
- Training and technical support for platform users and laboratory staff.
- Documentation of systems, procedures, maintenance activities, and best practices.
- Coordination with external vendors and service providers, including advanced technical discussions and issue resolution.
This role requires close interaction with scientists, lab technicians, machine learning engineers, and external partners at the interface of automation, software, and experimental catalysis.
Contract Details
This position is initially offered as a fixed-term contract with a workload of 80% to 100%, with the intention to transition to a longer-term or permanent position, subject to project development and mutual agreement.
Qualifications and Experience
You are a hands-on automation engineer with a strong technical background and a pragmatic mindset, comfortable working in a complex laboratory environment with multiple automated systems.
- 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 service, support, or system ownership role; experience with commercial laboratory automation platforms is an advantage.
- 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 collaborating closely 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.
- Very good communication skills in English; working knowledge of German is an advantage.
What We Offer
- A technically challenging and highly hands-on engineering 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 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.
- 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.
We invite you to apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Inquiries
Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Paco Laveille at plaveille@ethz.ch (no applications).
For further information about SwissCAT+ East, please visit our website.