Scientist-Engineer (DNA Synthesis)

Location: Lausanne, Switzerland; on-site

Type: Full time

Start date: ASAP

Company

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

What you will do

• Design, build, and test prototypes for next-generation DNA synthesis technologies.
• Translate scientific and technical requirements into engineering designs and experimental setups.
• Evaluate components, materials, equipment, and technical approaches for prototype development.
• Develop and optimize the chemistry, materials, and processes underlying the synthesis platform.
• Design experiments, characterize performance, identify limitations, troubleshoot complex problems, and improve reliability.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electronics, software, and automation engineers, suppliers, and engineering partners to develop integrated systems and scale successful prototypes into reproducible production systems.

Requirements

• Strong background in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, bioengineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, and testing experimental setups, prototypes, or laboratory equipment.
• Strong understanding of chemistry, materials, or process engineering, with the ability to apply these fundamentals to practical engineering challenges.
• Experience developing and optimizing experimental processes, including systematic troubleshooting and performance characterization.
• Ability to work across hardware and experimental science and translate scientific requirements into practical engineering solutions.
• Experience selecting components, evaluating technical trade-offs, and iterating on prototype designs.
• Strong experimental skills, including experiment design, data analysis, and results-based decision-making.
• Independent, resourceful, and comfortable working on open-ended technical problems with a practical, hands-on approach focused on building, testing, and improving systems.

Nice to have

• Experience with DNA or oligonucleotide synthesis, including chemical or enzymatic approaches.
• Experience with solid-phase synthesis, surface chemistry, or chemical process development.
• Familiarity with microfluidics, high-throughput dispensing, or array-based technologies.
• Experience with laboratory automation, instrumentation, or custom hardware development.
• Experience with CAD, electronics, fluidics, or mechanical prototyping.
• Experience scaling experimental technologies from proof of concept to production.
• Programming and data analysis experience, particularly in Python.

Culture & Benefits

• Highly hands-on, interdisciplinary work combining experimental science with practical engineering.
• Work at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, bioengineering, hardware development, and AI-driven biology experimentation.
• Opportunity to develop DNA synthesis technology for high-throughput, cost-effective production of diverse DNA libraries.
• Work with scientific and engineering teams, external suppliers, and engineering partners.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.