Empa, Materials Science and Technology
St. Gallen
System-Engineer Cell Culture Automation 80 - 100%
- 21 July 2026
- 80 – 100%
- Permanent position
- St. Gallen
Job summary
Join Empa, a leading research institution in materials science. Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovative cell culture automation.
Tasks
- Develop and maintain complex cell cultures using robotics.
- Conduct needs analyses for system specifications and requirements.
- Lead the implementation and programming of automated workflows.
Skills
- Master's degree in life sciences or engineering with 3+ years of experience.
- Proficiency in programming and operating lab automation systems.
- Fluent in German and English, with strong communication skills.
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About the job
Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.
System-Engineer Cell Culture Automation 80 - 100%
The Nanomaterials in Health department at Empa St. Gallen is a highly motivated team of biologists, chemists and bioinformaticians. Our aim is understanding and controlling the interactions between (nano)materials and biological systems. To this end, we develop practical, clinically and diagnostically relevant cell-based models such as co-cultures and organoids.
Your tasks
As a specialist in cell culture automation, you will be responsible for the end-to-end development and maintenance of complex cell cultures, from concept to implementation. Specifically, this includes:
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop concepts for automating complex cell culture processes using robotics
- Conduct needs analyses to define the required system specifications and functional requirements
- Support the Laboratory Head in evaluating, comparing and selecting suitable robotic systems and assist throughout the procurement process
- Lead the implementation of the selected system, including its configuration and the programming of automated workflows and procedures
Your profile
- Master’s degree in life sciences, engineering, or equivalent education
- At least 3 years of professional experience in programming and operating laboratory automation and liquid-handling systems, as well as in related quality management
- Experience in adapting and optimizing cell-based and in vitro assays
- Knowledge of mammalian cell culture systems and 3D cell cultures (organoids)
- Expertise in software such as R, KNIME or Python
- An independent, reliable and goal-oriented work style
- You are not afraid to take on responsibility, tackle new tasks and independently acquire the necessary expertise
- You have an open and communicative personality and enjoy working in a multidisciplinary environment
- Good oral and written proficiency in German and English is required: You must be fluent in everyday use of both languages
Our offer
- A challenging and varied role in the field of cutting-edge international research
- Progressive working conditions, an open work environment, excellent opportunities for professional development and a modern workplace in St. Gallen
- Initial 2-year fixed-term position—with the possibility of extension
- Flexible working hours, flat hierarchies, knowledge exchange, working together in a team
- Ideal starting date: 1 November 2026 or upon agreement
We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, reporting on 1 - 2 representative tasks / experiences supporting your skills (see application process), CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.
