Lab Automation Engineer

Adaptyv is a fast‑growing biotech firm that creates an automated laboratory where AI agents can directly operate biology experiments. By reverse‑engineering expensive lab hardware into API‑driven devices and stitching them together with sophisticated software, the company provides a platform that lets AI design proteins, generate hypotheses, and iterate on results without the usual months‑long manual steps. The role is a Lab Automation Engineer who will help design, build, and operate these integrated work cells. On a typical week you will programmatically control liquid handlers, robot arms, plate readers, incubators and other analytical instruments using Python, preferably with open‑source tools such as PyLabRobot or PyHamilton. You will assemble multiple devices into a single, unattended work cell, develop drivers that expose new hardware to the platform, and write the glue code, mostly Python and some TypeScript, that links hardware to the broader system. Collaboration with biologists will be essential to translate new assays into reliable automated workflows, while you will also monitor and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, or software failures to keep 24/7 production running smoothly and improve throughput and reliability over time. The ideal candidate brings a maker‑and‑hacker mindset, enjoys taking systems apart, and prefers scripting over clicking through vendor GUIs. Strong software engineering abilities are required, with real‑world Python experience that produces maintainable drivers, integrations and services. Prior hands‑on lab automation work, whether with PyHamilton, PyLabRobot, Opentrons or comparable toolsets, is a strong advantage, and the ability to work independently without waiting for detailed specifications is essential. The role also expects comfort using AI coding assistants and a natural instinct for diagnosing failures across software, firmware, electronics and mechanics. Additional assets include familiarity with TypeScript, experience in electronics, micro‑controller programming, 3D printing, CAD or other fabrication techniques, and a genuine enthusiasm for seeing robots execute real biological experiments. The position is based on‑site in Lausanne, Switzerland, full‑time, with an immediate start date and a rolling application review process. What the role asks for: - Maker and hacker attitude - Strong software engineering skills - Lab automation experience - Proficient Python programming - Self‑starter and independent work style - AI‑native builder mindset - Debugging instinct across hardware and software - Experience with PyHamilton / PyLabRobot / Opentrons (nice-to-have) - Comfort with electronics, microcontrollers, 3D printing, CAD (nice-to-have) - Ability to use TypeScript where needed (nice-to-have)