R&D Engineer, Laboratory Automation & Robotics

Biohub is the first large-scale initiative bringing frontier AI models, massive compute, and frontier experimental capabilities under one roof. We're building a general-purpose system to accelerate scientific discovery, integrating frontier AI models, biological foundation models, and lab capabilities, with the ultimate goal of curing disease. Our technology powers scientists around the world, translating AI capabilities into tools that accelerate research everywhere.

The Team

The Biohub is a group of nonprofit research institutes that bring together scientists, engineers, and physicians with the goal of pursuing grand scientific challenges on 10- to 15-year time horizons. The Biohub focuses on understanding underlying mechanisms of disease and developing new technologies that will lead to actionable diagnostics and effective therapies.

Our Vision

• We pursue large scientific challenges that cannot be pursued in conventional environments
• We enable individual investigators to pursue their riskiest and most innovative ideas
• The technologies developed at the Biohub facilitate research by scientists and clinicians at our home institutions and beyond

Diversity of thought, ideas, and perspectives are at the heart of Biohub and enable disruptive innovation and scholarly excellence. We are committed to cultivating an organization where all colleagues feel inspired and know their work makes an important contribution.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an R&D Engineer to support the deployment, operation, and continuous improvement of an advanced automated laboratory platform. This role is responsible for ensuring reliable execution of complex workflows through the integration of robotics, instrumentation, and control systems.

You will play a key role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that enables scalable and efficient experimental operations.

What You'll Do

• Develop scalable, modular automation architectures to support evolving experimental needs across multiple hardware platforms
• Partner with computational teams to enable closed-loop / data-driven experimentation
• Evaluate and support installation, configuration, and integration of laboratory automation systems and instrumentation
• Optimize high-throughput experimental pipelines
• Program and coordinate robotic systems and instrument control software
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and validation of equipment
• Implement real-time monitoring and logging systems for workflow performance and data quality
• Monitor system reliability and implement improvements to increase efficiency and uptime
• Troubleshoot hardware and workflow issues to ensure consistent system performance
• Collaborate with scientific teams to translate experimental needs into automated processes
• Provide technical support and training to users of the platform

What You'll Bring

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Bioengineering, Robotics, or a related field
• Hands-on experience with laboratory automation systems, robotics, or complex instrumentation
• Experience with hardware integration and control systems
• Programming or scripting experience (e.g., Python or vendor-specific platforms)
• Strong troubleshooting skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage and maintain complex systems in a dynamic environment
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative mindset
• Strong problem-solving skills and a systems-level mindset
• Interest in data-driven experimentation and automated platforms

Compensation

The Chicago, IL base pay range for a new hire in this role is $130,000 - $163,000. New hires are typically hired into the lower portion of the range, enabling employee growth in the range over time. Actual placement in range is based on job-related skills and experience, as evaluated throughout the interview process.

This position may be eligible to participate in our discretionary annual performance bonus program. Bonus eligibility and targets are determined in accordance with our total rewards philosophy and may vary by role.

Better Together

As we grow, we’re excited to strengthen in-person connections and cultivate a collaborative, team-oriented environment. This role is a onsite position requiring you to be onsite for at least 100% of the working month, approximately 5 days a week. 

Benefits for the Whole You 

We’re thankful to have an incredible team behind our work. To honor their commitment, we offer a wide range of benefits to support the people who make all we do possible. 

• Provides a generous employer match on employee 401(k) contributions to support planning for the future.
• Paid time off to volunteer at an organization of your choice. 
• Funding for select family-forming benefits. 
• Relocation support for employees who need assistance moving

If you’re interested in a role but your previous experience doesn’t perfectly align with each qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the perfect fit for this or another role.

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