Lab Automation Engineer

TL;DR

Lab Automation Engineer (Python): Design, build, and operate automated lab work cells that let AI-driven workflows run biology experiments with an accent on instrument control, unattended orchestration, and reliability under 24/7 production. Focus on reverse-engineering instrument protocols, writing software drivers/integrations, and debugging failures across software, electronics, and mechanics.

Location: Lausanne, Switzerland (on-site)

Company

hirify.global builds automated lab infrastructure that gives AI agents access to the physical world for running biology experiments.

What you will do

• Control lab instruments (liquid handlers, robot arms, plate readers, incubators, analytical devices) programmatically in Python, ideally using PyLabRobot / PyHamilton.
• Build and integrate work cells so multiple instruments operate together as one orchestrated unit that runs unattended.
• Bring new instruments online by reverse-engineering control protocols and creating drivers that expose them to the rest of the stack.
• Write the software glue (drivers, integrations, small services) connecting hardware to the platform (mostly Python, with some TypeScript).
• Partner with biologists to turn assays into reliable automated workflows and keep them running by diagnosing and fixing mechanical, electrical, and software failures.
• Continuously improve throughput and reliability with better error recovery, smarter scheduling, and sturdier hardware.

Requirements

• Strong software engineering skills with real Python experience (drivers, integrations, services that others can maintain).
• Experience with lab automation and instrument/workflow automation (PyHamilton, PyLabRobot, Opentrons, or similar).
• Ability to reverse-engineer instrument control protocols and build drivers/integrations.
• Maker/hacker mindset: comfortable taking systems apart, scripting instruments instead of using vendor GUIs, and building without waiting for specs.
• Debugging instinct to reason across software, firmware/electronics, and mechanics when runs stall or fail.
• On-site availability in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Culture & Benefits

• On-site role building physical lab automation systems.
• 24/7 production environment with real-world reliability and throughput challenges.
• Use of AI-assisted coding tools (coding agents) as part of the development workflow.
• Biology background not required, but enthusiasm for running real experiments with robots is expected.