Molecular Biologist for Automated Wet-Lab Innovation

Adaptyv; Vaud; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Adaptyv is building an automated biology lab that enables AI-driven experiments. This hands-on role focuses on developing and optimizing protein expression systems, running molecular biology workflows, and scaling production with high throughput and reliability.

You will work at the bench across cell-free and cell-based platforms, design DNA synthesis and assembly protocols, and partner with the automation team to turn methods into robotic workflows.

Qualifications

• MSc/PhD in molecular biology, bioengineering, or a relevant field
• Hands-on depth matters — years at the bench doing real molecular biology counts more than the degree title
• Experience with DNA synthesis, cloning, or assembly methods (PCR, Golden Gate, Gibson). High-throughput experience is a plus
• Comfortable with data analysis — interpret chromatograms, binding curves, and expression gels without hand-holding
• Rigorous experimentalist — detail-oriented, controls, reproducibility
• Interested in automation — want protocols to become automated workflows
• Independent and resourceful — troubleshoot using literature and experimentation

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize protein expression workflows — cell-free expression (PURE, lysate-based), E. coli, and potentially mammalian systems.
• Design and execute DNA synthesis and assembly protocols: PCR, Golden Gate, Gibson. Improve yield, fidelity, and throughput.
• Develop new assays or adapt existing ones for the platform — thermostability, developability, enzyme activity, or customer needs.
• Run experiments yourself. You’ll be at the bench doing molecular biology, analyzing data, and iterating on protocols.
• Work with the automation team to translate your methods into automated workflows. You develop the protocol that robots run.
• Analyze experimental data, identify failure modes, and improve methods systematically. When 20% of constructs in a batch fail to express, you figure out why.

Skills

Protein expression

Purification

DNA synthesis

Cloning

Automation interest

Data analysis

Experimental rigor

Independent troubleshooting

Education

MSc or PhD in molecular biology or bioengineering

Tools

PCR

Golden Gate

Gibson assembly

DNA synthesis

Protein purification

Job description

Adaptyv is building an automated biology lab that enables AI-driven experiments. This hands-on role focuses on developing and optimizing protein expression systems, running molecular biology workflows, and scaling production with high throughput and reliability.

You will work at the bench across cell-free and cell-based platforms, design DNA synthesis and assembly protocols, and partner with the automation team to turn methods into robotic workflows.