Lab Automation Engineer

(Senior) Lab Automation Engineer
80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

SwissCAT+ East is a national technology platform of the ETH Domain dedicated to advancing catalysis research through data-driven, automated, and high-throughput experimentation. The platform provides academic and industrial researchers with access to state-of-the-art robotic infrastructure, combined with advanced data analysis, machine learning tools, and expert technical support.

Project background

SwissCAT+ East operates as an open-access infrastructure supporting projects for both academic and industrial research groups in Switzerland and internationally, with a strong emphasis on sustainable catalysis and materials development. The mission of SwissCAT+ East is to translate scientific questions into machine-learning-driven and automated experimental workflows and to execute complex experimental campaigns with high reproducibility and high throughput.

To achieve this, the platform continuously expands a unique portfolio of robotic and high-throughput systems for the synthesis, characterization, and performance evaluation of catalysts under commercially relevant reaction conditions. The infrastructure includes both commercial automation platforms and custom-designed systems developed in collaboration with academic and industrial partners to extend experimental capabilities beyond what is commercially available.

Job description

As a Lab Automation Engineer at SwissCAT+ East, you will be responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, programming, and continuous development of a diverse portfolio of automated and high-throughput laboratory systems. The infrastructure includes state-of-the-art robotic platforms for synthesis, characterization, and catalytic testing. You will ensure reliable day-to-day operation of complex systems in a user-facing environment while contributing to their technical evolution and supporting scientists in the integration of automation into new experimental workflows.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Preventive and corrective maintenance of automated laboratory systems, including synthesis robots, high-throughput reactors, and analytical tools
• Troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues to ensure high system uptime in a user-facing, service-oriented environment
• Installation, qualification, and commissioning of new automation platforms, modules, and upgrades
• Development and optimization of experimental workflows to support scientific and user-driven projects
• Development of custom automation solutions to address specific project needs
• Support for system integration, data flow, and interfacing with digital tools such as LIMS, ELN, and data analysis pipelines
• Training and technical support for platform users and laboratory staff
• Documentation of systems, procedures, maintenance activities, and best practices
• Coordination with external vendors and service providers, including advanced technical discussions and issue resolution

The position involves close interaction with scientists, lab technicians, machine learning engineers, and external partners at the interface of automation, software, and experimental catalysis.

The position is initially offered as a fixed-term contract with a workload between 80% and 100%, with the intention to transition to a longer-term or permanent position, subject to project development and mutual agreement.

Profile

You are a hands-on automation engineer with a strong technical background and a pragmatic mindset, comfortable working in a complex laboratory environment with multiple automated systems.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Master's degree in engineering (e.g. automation, mechanical, electrical, robotics, biomedical, chemical, or related fields) or equivalent practical experience
• Several years of hands-on experience with laboratory automation, including liquid handling systems, robotic platforms, and automated analytical tools, ideally in a service, support, or system ownership role; experience with commercial laboratory automation platforms is an advantage
• Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, and software components
• Familiarity with automation software, system configuration, and structured troubleshooting methodologies
• Experience working in a laboratory, R&D, or industrial environment

Personal skills:

• Structured, solution-oriented, and reliable working style
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams
• Strong interest in automation, instrumentation, and technical problem solving
• Willingness to take ownership of complex systems and support users in daily operations
• Very good communication skills in English; working knowledge of German is an advantage

This role is well suited for candidates who enjoy working close to hardware, ensuring high system reliability, and developing practical automation solutions in a research-driven and collaborative environment.

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

• A technically challenging and highly hands-on engineering role within a unique national research infrastructure
• Direct responsibility for state-of-the-art laboratory automation and high-throughput robotic platforms
• The opportunity to shape and further develop automated experimental workflows in close collaboration with scientists and engineers
• A high degree of autonomy and ownership over complex systems and technical solutions
• A collaborative, international, and multidisciplinary working environment at ETH Zurich
• Access to cutting-edge technologies at the interface of automation, catalysis, and data-driven research
• Opportunities for professional development and skill expansion in automation, instrumentation, and digital laboratory technologies
• Competitive employment conditions and benefits according to ETH Zurich regulations

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application.

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Paco Laveille, (no applications).

Further information about SwissCat + East can be found on our website.

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