Lab Automation Engineer (Biotech)

Location: Lausanne, Switzerland; on-site. Full-time position with an ASAP start date.

Company

hirify.global is building an automated laboratory that enables AI agents to run biology experiments through integrated software, hardware, robotics, and data systems.

What you will do

• Programmatically control liquid handlers, robot arms, plate readers, incubators, and analytical devices using Python, ideally with PyLabRobot or PyHamilton.
• Build and integrate automated work cells in which multiple instruments operate as one unattended, orchestrated system.
• Reverse-engineer instrument control protocols and develop drivers that expose new devices to the broader platform.
• Write drivers, integrations, and small services connecting laboratory hardware to the platform, primarily in Python with some TypeScript.
• Work with biologists to convert assays into reliable automated workflows and diagnose mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software failures during 24/7 production.
• Improve throughput and reliability through error recovery, scheduling, and hardware improvements.

Requirements

• Strong software engineering skills in Python, including maintainable drivers, integrations, and services; willingness to learn TypeScript as needed.
• Hands-on laboratory automation experience with automated instruments and workflows.
• Ability to take systems apart, understand how they work, and build improved solutions with a maker and hacker mindset.
• Ability to work independently, identify what needs to be built, and deliver without waiting for detailed specifications or vendor training.
• Experience building with coding agents such as Claude Code and sound judgment when evaluating their output.
• Strong debugging ability across software, firmware, electronics, and mechanics.
• Excitement about building physical systems that run real biology experiments; a biology background is not required.

Nice to have

• Experience with PyHamilton, PyLabRobot, Opentrons, or similar laboratory automation tooling.
• Hardware experience including electronics, microcontrollers, 3D printing, CAD, or fabrication.

Culture & Benefits

• On-site work focused on building and operating physical laboratory systems.
• Opportunity to work on AI-driven wet-lab experimentation for biopharma, AI labs, and techbio companies.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.