AI Lab Automation Scientist (1 year contract)

X is Alphabet’s moonshot factory with a mission of inventing and launching moonshot technologies that could someday make the world a radically better place. We are a diverse group of inventors and entrepreneurs who build and launch technologies that aim to improve the lives of millions, even billions, of people. Our goal: 10x impact on the world’s most intractable problems, not just 10% improvement. We approach projects that have the aspiration and riskiness of research with the speed and ambition of a startup. As an innovation engine, X focuses on repeatedly turning breakthrough-technology ideas into the foundations for large, sustainable businesses.

We are seeking an extraordinary, multi-talented scientist/engineer to join a core effort in X’s BioDesign Kitchen to help accelerate moonshots in biology and chemistry. This is a hands-on role to help shape our interface of frontier models with the physical practice of the scientific discipline. 

This isn't a traditional siloed role. You are a rare hybrid who understands scientific processes and the instruments that make them possible, while appreciating the messy complexity of biological systems. As a core member of our team, you will be the bridge between the digital, physical, and cellular worlds—owning the design and execution of intelligent closed-loop systems that automate, analyze, and accelerate biological discovery.

This role is in the BioDK and is core to its mission of rapidly prototyping moonshots in chemistry and biology. This position will directly serve existing and future moonshots in the BioDK, and help in the creation and co-creation of new moonshots, and advance our AI4Science efforts. The role will also involve efficient communication of results, concepts, and progress. 

• Bridge the Domains: Act as the primary technical nexus between our Machine Learning, Hardware, Biology, and Chemistry teams, translating complex experimental constraints into algorithmic and hardware requirements.

• Build Closed-Loop Systems: Design, build, and deploy end-to-end automated laboratory workflows where AI-driven models control physical hardware/robotics to execute and iterate on biological experiments.

• Hardware-Software Integration: Develop custom firmware, APIs, or drivers to connect proprietary laboratory automation hardware with cloud-based AI infrastructure. 

• Data Pipeline & Protocol Design: Design robust data engineering pipelines to capture, clean, and structure messy, high-throughput biological data (e.g., genomic, proteomic, or imaging data) for ML training.

• Own the Execution: Independently scope, prototype, and test high-risk technical features, moving rapidly from ambiguous ideas to concrete, working physical prototypes.

• Education: Ph.D. in and strong research track record in Biophyisics, Chemistry, Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering.

• Experience: 3+ years of professional or postdoc experience working directly at the intersection of biology, hardware, and software.

• Hardware skills: Hands-on experience with hardware prototyping, sensor integration, microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi), and protocols (SPI, I2C, UART). You should be comfortable with the insides of a computer, and be able to tell SATA from serial connections.

• Experimental: High level of proficiency in a wet lab environment; deep understanding of molecular biology, assay development, cell or tissue culture, synthetic biology. Protein engineering experience a plus.

• Code: Strong proficiency in python, the use of agent harnesses, and github.

• Communication: you will be astute at communicating deeply technical ideas in a straightforward way to non-expert colleagues.

• Experience with laboratory automation standards and frameworks (e.g., pylabrobot or Hamilton, Tecan, Agilent Bravo).

• An intense curiosity to learn new techniques and work with colleagues with complementary skill sets. 

• Protein engineering experience.

• Mechanical aptitude 

• A thrive-in-chaos mentality: Comfort with extreme ambiguity, rapid pivoting, and a passion for tackling 10x problems rather than 10% improvements.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $132,000 - $195,000 + bonus + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, or benefits.