Research Scientist (Biology)

TL;DR

Research Scientist (Biology): Developing and optimizing protein expression and DNA assembly workflows for an AI-driven automated laboratory with an accent on high-throughput molecular biology. Focus on translating manual wet-lab protocols into automated workflows and scaling protein production.

Location: On-site in Lausanne, Switzerland

Company

hirify.global is building an automated lab that allows AI agents to design and run biology experiments autonomously.

What you will do

• Develop and optimize protein expression workflows using cell-free (PURE, lysate-based), E. coli, and mammalian systems.
• Design and execute DNA synthesis and assembly protocols, including PCR, Golden Gate, and Gibson assembly.
• Create and adapt assays for thermostability, developability, and enzyme activity to meet customer needs.
• Conduct hands-on molecular biology experiments at the bench and analyze resulting data.
• Collaborate with the automation team to translate successful manual protocols into automated robotic workflows.
• Systematically identify failure modes in experimental batches to improve methods.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Practical expertise in recombinant protein expression and purification.
• Experience with DNA synthesis, cloning, or assembly methods (PCR, Golden Gate, Gibson).
• Ability to independently interpret chromatograms, binding curves, and expression gels.
• Strong commitment to experimental rigor, detailed documentation, and reproducibility.
• Must be based in or be able to work on-site in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Nice to have

• Experience with high-throughput DNA assembly workflows.
• Strong interest in lab automation and robotics.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to join one of the fastest-growing biotech companies in the TechBio space.
• Work at the frontier of agentic science, bridging the gap between AI models and physical experiments.
• Highly collaborative environment working across biology and automation engineering teams.