About AITHYRA
AITHYRA is a pioneering biomedical research institute in Vienna, Austria, where artificial intelligence meets life sciences to drive the next biological revolution. AITHYRA is an institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) and was established with generous funding from the not-for-profit Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation Mainz. We are building a world-class collaborative environment that brings together AI specialists, experimental scientists, and engineers to push the boundaries of biomedical innovation and improve human health.
Join us in shaping the future of biomedical AI--where science meets innovation, and where magic happens.
Lab Automation Engineer (all genders)
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Lab Automation Engineer to join our lab robotics team. This role sits at the intersection of lab robotics and experimental science, requiring expertise in robotic systems, automation programming, and AI-driven workflows to deliver scalable, reproducible, and high-throughput next-generation experimental pipelines.
You will join the Lab Robotics and report directly to Wali Malik, Head of AI Driven Lab Robotics at AITHYRA. You will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and operating an AI-driven robotics laboratory.
Your Tasks
- Develop program, integrate and operate robotic arms, liquid handling workstations (Hamilton VENUS/VANTAGE, Tecan Fluent, Opentrons FLex), plate readers, flow cytometers, sealers/peelers, dispensers, and imaging systems into unified automated platforms.
- Implement and manage workflow scheduling and orchestration software (e.g., Cellario, Green Button Go) for end-to-end lab automation.
- Partner with scientists in small molecules, proteomics, NGS, and cell & gene therapy to design and execute scalable automated laboratory methods.
- Maintain rigorous, up-to-date documentation of all automation workflows, hardware configurations, and software versions.
Your Profile
- Bachelors/MSc/PhD in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Robotics, Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience in laboratory automation, robotic systems integration, or a closely related field.
- Familiarity with high-throughput screening, assay development, molecular biology, cell culture, proteomics, NGS basics, assay miniaturization.
- Experience working in a wet lab environment developing/ executing automated processes in 1 of the following: synthetic biology, proteomics, small molecules, NGS, cell and gene therapy.
- Proven expertise in programming and method development for liquid handling systems (Hamilton VENUS/VANTAGE, Tecan EVO/Fluent, or equivalent).
- Robotic platform integration, instrument interfacing (plate readers, flow cytometers, imaging systems, dispensers, sealers/peelers), and preventive maintenance and calibration.
- Experience with statistical Design of Experiments (DoE) for workflow optimization.
- Strong scripting/ programming proficiency in Python for automation control, data processing, and workflow orchestration.
- Experience integrating and operating robotic workflow scheduling systems (e.g., Cellario, Green Button Go).
- Strong plus: Tecan, Hamilton, Cellario, Green Button Go Certifications.
- Ability to work across disciplines and communicate with scientists, engineers, and computational teams.
- Self-motivated, adaptable, and excited about building world-class capabilities from scratch.
What We Offer
- A competitive salary (minimum gross annual salary of EUR 65.000, negotiable based on expertise and skills).
- Support for your wellbeing, including access to a company doctor.
- Fresh fruits, sweet treats, and free coffee & tea are available every day.
- Core hours: Monday-Thursday 09:00-15:00, Friday 09:00-13:00.
- Up to one home office day per week.
- Meal allowance to make your day a little easier.
- A welcoming community with diverse social and cultural activities.
- Relocation support to help you settle in comfortably if you're moving to join us.
- We invest in career development and training, and offer meaningful and purpose-driven jobs.
Ready to contribute to the future of AI-driven Lab Automation?
Application Process
Please submit your application until: 28.03.2026
- CV highlighting your relevant experience and achievements.
- Cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience.
- Contact details of at least two professional references.
Should you have any questions, please contact the AITHYRA HR Team at recruitment@aithyra.ac.at
We are a curiosity-driven, globally minded organization committed to building an inclusive and flexible workplace. At AITHYRA, we believe diverse perspectives strengthen collaboration and spark innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences to help us create teams that reflect the communities our science serves. Your unique contribution matters here - come realize your full potential with us.