Research Associate, Molecular Biology

Adaptyv; Vaud; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Adaptyv is building an automated lab where AI-driven biology experiments are executed in the real world. In the biology & production team you will run protein expression, DNA assembly, and characterization workflows.

We process thousands of constructs weekly across cell-free and cell-based systems, high-throughput DNA synthesis, assembly, and binding/stability assays. This role is based on-site in Lausanne and starts ASAP as we scale.

Qualifications

• Hands-on bench time is essential.
• Experience with PCR and cloning is required.
• Protein expression experience in at least one system.
• Experience with DNA assembly methods (Golden Gate, Gibson, restriction cloning).
• Familiarity with biophysical/analytical techniques (BLI, SPR, plate reader, nanoDSF, HPLC-SEC, CE-SDS).
• Comfortable scripting in Python or similar.
• Organized and precise with high throughput workflows.
• Fast-paced environment adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Run protein expression workflows: cell-free and bacterial systems.
• Execute high-throughput DNA synthesis and assembly protocols.
• Run binding and characterization assays (BLI, SPR, etc.).
• Troubleshoot expression issues, misfolding, or aggregation.
• Prepare reagents, manage samples, and track experiments in LabOS.
• Analyze expression gels, chromatograms, and binding curves.
• Collaborate with automation to adapt bench protocols for robotics.

Skills

PCR

Cloning

Gel electrophoresis

DNA purification

Protein expression

DNA assembly

Golden Gate

Gibson Assembly

Restriction cloning

Biophysical characterization

BLI

SPR

Python scripting

LabOS

Data analysis

Education

BSc in molecular biology

MSc in biochemistry

Tools

LabOS

Job description

Adaptyv is building an automated lab that lets AI agents run biology experiments.

We're entering the era of agentic science where AI models can now design novel proteins, propose hypotheses, and iterate on experimental results. But they can't run the experiments themselves - that's still a manual, months-long process. We're building the infrastructure that gives AI agents access to the physical world.

We are one of the fastest growing biotech companies, trusted by leading biopharmas, frontier AI labs, and the techbio companies pushing the field forward. This is a rare chance to help advance some of the most important work happening in biotech today.

Our automated lab is powered by a deep software + hardware stack: lab instruments worth millions of USD reverse-engineered into API-controllable hardware, dozens of devices orchestrated through complex workflows, full observability on everything that happens in the lab, processing pipelines for messy physical-world data, and AI systems that troubleshoot production results and accelerate assay development.

We’re growing rapidly and are hiring for talented people to scale and support the massive demand for AI-driven wet lab experimentation.

About the Role

You'll work in our biology & production team running protein expression, DNA assembly, and characterization workflows.

We run thousands of constructs per week across cell-free and cell-based expression systems, high-throughput DNA synthesis and assembly, and binding/stability characterization (BLI, SPR, enzymatic assays).

What You'll Do

• Run protein expression workflows: cell-free (PURE, lysate-based), E. coli, and potentially mammalian systems.

• Execute DNA synthesis and assembly protocols at high throughput: PCR, Golden Gate, Gibson.

• Run binding and characterization assays: BLI, SPR, thermostability, enzyme activity, developability assays.

• Troubleshoot when proteins don't express, misfold, or aggregate.

• Prepare reagents, manage samples, and track experiments in LabOS.

• Analyze experimental data: expression gels, chromatograms, binding curves.

• Work with the automation team to adapt bench protocols for robotic workflows.

What We're Looking For

• BSc / MSc in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a relevant field. Hands-on bench time matters more than the degree.

• Practical molecular biology skills: PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification. You've done these yourself, not just read about them.

• Protein expression experience. You've expressed recombinant proteins in at least one system and understand the basics.

• Experience with DNA assembly methods (Golden Gate, Gibson, restriction cloning). High-throughput experience is a plus.

• Familiarity with biophysical and analytical characterization techniques. We use BLI, SPR, plate reader assays, nanoDSF, HPLC-SEC, and CE-SDS. You don't need all of them, but you should have hands-on experience with at least a few.

• Comfortable scripting in Python or similar. You don't need to be a software engineer, but you should be able to write a script to parse data, generate plate maps, or automate a repetitive analysis.

• Organized and precise. Hundreds of constructs per week means you track everything and follow protocols exactly.

• Strong work ethic. Experiments don't always finish at 6pm.

• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift and you figure things out yourself.

Details

• Location: Lausanne, Switzerland (on-site)

• Type: Full time

• Start date: ASAP

Application deadline

We are reviewing applicants on a rolling basis.