Lab Automation Internship

Adaptyv is a fast‑growing biotech company that is creating an automated laboratory where AI agents can design proteins, propose hypotheses and iterate on experimental results. The company supplies a deep software‑plus‑hardware stack that turns expensive lab instruments into API‑controllable devices, orchestrates dozens of devices through LabOS, and adds AI‑driven troubleshooting and data processing. The role being advertised is a Lab Automation Intern who will join the automation team in Lausanne to help build and keep the work‑cells that enable high‑throughput biology running smoothly. On a daily basis the intern will develop and execute automated liquid‑handling protocols on robots such as the Hamilton STAR, using Python libraries like PyLabRobot and PyHamilton. The work also includes loading runs, swapping consumables, calibrating instruments, and troubleshooting jams or misreads. The intern will write Python code for instrument drivers, integrations and tooling, capture device traffic with tools such as Wireshark, run validation tests on new protocols, and document procedures, layouts and fixes for future use. Physical tasks such as wiring new devices, organizing the work‑cell and preparing plates and reagents are also part of the job. The position requires a candidate who is currently enrolled in or has recently completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, robotics, mechatronics, computer science, bioengineering or a closely related field. The ideal applicant is a "generalist maker" who enjoys building, disassembling and debugging across software, electronics and mechanics. They must be a self‑starter, organized and reliable, with solid Python programming abilities, experience using APIs and Git, and the habit of keeping thorough notes. The role also expects familiarity with AI‑assisted coding tools such as Claude Code, and the ability to work on‑site in Lausanne for a full‑time internship of at least three months. Additional assets include any maker or hacker experience, 3D printing, CAD, electronics, soldering, microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32), machining, robotics or lab‑automation work, and contributions to open‑source projects like PyLabRobot, PyHamilton or Opentrons. While a biology background is not required, an interest in teaching robots to run biological experiments is valued. The internship starts as soon as possible and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. What the role asks for: - Enrolled in or recent graduate of BSc/MSc in engineering, robotics, mechatronics, CS, bioengineering or related - Generalist maker comfortable with software, electronics and mechanics - Self‑starter who identifies tasks and acts independently - Strong Python programming skills, API and Git experience - Organized, reliable note‑taking and documentation habits - Ability to use AI coding assistants (e.g., Claude Code) - On‑site availability in Lausanne, Switzerland - Minimum 3‑month full‑time internship commitment - Nice-to-have: experience with 3D printing, CAD, electronics, soldering, microcontrollers - Nice-to-have: familiarity with lab‑automation hardware (robot arms, liquid handlers) - Nice-to-have: contributions to open‑source projects such as PyLabRobot or PyHamilton