Head of AI-driven Robotics Lab (m/f/d) at AITHYRA

Join the best of the academic, corporate, and start-up world, and support AITHYRA, the Research Institute for Biomedical Artificial Intelligence in Vienna. AITHYRA is seeking an outstanding engineer to build and lead our AI-driven Robotics Lab. The successful candidate will drive the development of a data-driven, automated infrastructure for biological experimentation at unprecedented scale, developing and implementing high-throughput experimental pipelines to produce AI-ready datasets. This lab will be the cornerstone of our mission: to revolutionize biomedical research by generating experimental data that is optimized for AI/ML-driven insights.

AITHYRA, the place where magic happens! https://www.oeaw.ac.at/aithyra/

AITHYRA's mission is to transform the way life sciences are conducted using AI to drive the biological revolution in the next decade, with the ultimate goal of improving human health.

HEAD OF AI-DRIVEN ROBOTICS LAB (m/f/d)
Fulltime, 40 hours per week

Your Role

As the Head of the AI-Driven Robotics Lab, you will:

• Lead the design, development, and operation of a cutting-edge automated laboratory capable of running large-scale biological experiments with minimal human intervention.
• Reimagine experimental data collection to optimize it for AI/ML applications, rather than human intuition.
• Develop and integrate high-throughput experimental platforms, potentially including microfluidics, single-cell approaches, DNA-encoded library screens, chemical synthesis, automated proteomics, and other emerging technologies.
• Oversee hardware and software compatibility to ensure seamless integration of automated workflows and AI-ready data generation, storage and management.
• Build, manage and mentor a team of engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Collaborate closely with AI/ML experts, computational biologists, and life scientists to co-develop experimental designs that maximize scientific insights, and report to the Scientific Directors of AI and Life Science.
• Continuously evaluate and integrate new technologies, ensuring that AITHYRA remains at the forefront of AI-powered biological discovery and ensuring that the Robotics Lab is sufficiently modular to be adapt to newly appointed group leaders or global collaboration partners.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with academia, biotech, and pharma to leverage external expertise and resources.

Your Profile

We are looking for a high-caliber engineer with a strong background in automated experimentation, robotics, and large-scale data generation. You should have:

• A PhD or equivalent experience in engineering, robotics, automation, biotechnology, synthetic biology, or a related field.
• A proven track record of designing and running AI-compatible experimental platforms in academia, biotech, or pharma.
• Experience leading teams of engineers, technicians, or interdisciplinary researchers.
• Deep expertise in at least one or more of the following technologies:
  • High-throughput microfluidics-based screening
  • Single-cell experimental platforms
  • DNA-encoded library screening
  • Automated chemical synthesis
  • High-throughput proteomics
  • Next-generation sequencing automation
• Understanding of software and hardware integration in laboratory automation
• Experience in AI/ML-driven experimental workflows is highly advantageous.
• A passion for innovation, data-driven experimentation, and large-scale biological discovery.
• Demonstrated work ethic, personal integrity and professionalism.

What We Offer

The goal of AITHYRA is to become Europe's premier AI-driven life science institute, offering a unique opportunity for engineers to work at the intersection of robotics, AI, and biomedical research. We provide:

• A leading role in shaping a next-generation research institute at the forefront of AI-driven biology.
• A highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, bringing together top-tier engineers, biologists, and AI/ML researchers.
• Unique opportunity to build and use state-of-the-art experimental and computational infrastructure with full support for building an advanced automated lab.
• A competitive salary and benefits package on par with industry standards.
• A thriving research culture with global collaborations across academia, biotech, and pharma.
• Career development and leadership training, with opportunities to define the future of AI-driven biological research.
• A vibrant and highly livable location in Vienna, ranked as one of the best cities in the world for quality of life.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter detailing their vision for AI-driven automation in biological research and their relevant experience.
• A CV highlighting leadership experience and expertise in automation and data-driven experimentation.
• Names and contact details of at least two references.

Application deadline: 31 March 2025

Please apply via application@aithyra.at

Join us at AITHYRA and be part of a scientific revolution that integrates AI, automation, and life sciences to unlock the next frontier of biomedical innovation!

Start Date: latest by Q4 2025

For more information, please contact us at office@aithyra.at