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, such as Hamilton and HighRes, along with 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 merges 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 intersection of laboratory automation technologies and multidisciplinary life science research, collaborating closely with scientists from diverse fields 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 application specialist or 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 the ability to adapt 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 the opportunity to shape and further develop automated experimental workflows in close collaboration with scientists and engineers. The role is based in a collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary working environment at the D-BSSE of ETH Zurich. You will have access to cutting-edge technologies at the interface of automation, engineering, biology, and data-driven research, with opportunities for professional development and skill expansion in automation, instrumentation, and digital laboratory technologies. The position comes with competitive employment conditions and benefits according to ETH Zurich regulations.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. For more details, visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is also a core value - we consistently work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

• Detailed CV
• Cover letter detailing your motivation
• List of references
• Copy of proof of your highest degree

Note: Do not use artificial intelligence to generate your application documents. Further information regarding this position can be obtained from Dr. Thomas Horn at thomas.horn@bsse.ethz.ch (no applications please). More 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 the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet connecting across the globe, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.