Lab Robotics Research Associate

Wintermeyer Ventures; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wintermeyer Ventures seeks a Bio-R&D Associate to bridge molecular biology with automated liquid handling. You will convert experimental protocols into robot-ready workflows and help scale new sequencing chemistry using Opentrons and Hamilton systems.

The role requires 1–3 years of wet-lab experience, Python proficiency, and a biology background. On-site in the San Francisco Bay Area with relocation support not provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on wet-lab experience running and designing experiments.

Responsibilities

• Translate draft protocols into clear, step-by-step instructions for robots.
• Program liquid handlers (Opentrons, Hamilton) using Python or related tools.
• Run protocols manually and on robots and compare results to verify performance.

Skills

Python programming

Wet-lab experience

Biology knowledge

Robotics programming

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology/biochemistry/biomedical engineering

Tools

Opentrons

Hamilton systems

Fusion 360

Job description

About the Role

Join a biotechnology R&D team connecting molecular biology research with automated liquid handling. You will translate experimental protocols into reliable robot workflows, helping new sequencing chemistry scale efficiently.

What You'll Do

• Work with R&D scientists to turn draft protocols into clear, step-by-step instructions.
• Use AI tools and robotics frameworks to program liquid handlers, including Opentrons and Hamilton systems.
• Run protocols manually and on robots, then compare results to verify performance.
• Identify and address physical failure modes, such as low pickup volumes or viscous liquids that require adjusted pipetting techniques.
• Prototype simple 3D-printed adapters and tools for laboratory robotics.

What We're Looking For

• One to three years of Research Associate experience and hands‑on wet-lab experience running and designing experiments.
• Experience programming liquid handlers, ideally Opentrons in Python, and familiarity with platforms such as Hamilton.
• Python programming experience, including scripts or small programs for data analysis or lab-device control.
• Knowledge of molecular biology protocols and a bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in a high-growth biotech startup environment is valued.
• Basic CAD modeling and 3D printing experience, such as with Fusion 360, is helpful.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: $90,000 to $120,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Location

On‑site in California, United States. This role requires working fully on‑site in the San Francisco Bay Area. Relocation support is not available.