Robotics Project Scientist: AI-Driven Lab Automation Lead

UC Santa Barbara; California (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Barbara's COAST PCL seeks a Robotics Project Scientist to lead robotic manipulation and laboratory automation within its AI-driven materials platform.

You will split time between advancing autonomous experimentation and training researchers to operate robotic systems, while collaborating across chemistry, materials, and software teams.

Applicants should hold a PhD in robotics or related field with hands-on experience in robotic arms and end effectors.

Qualifications

• PhD in Robotics or closely related engineering field with demonstrated depth in robotics (Mechanical/Electrical/CS).
• Experience designing and deploying robotic manipulation systems and lab automation.
• Ability to train users and run workshops; strong collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead robotic manipulation and lab automation at COAST PCL.
• Design, develop, and deploy robotic systems for automated synthesis and characterization.
• Train internal and external users; run workshops and Summer School modules.
• Develop robust automated workflows and troubleshoot robotic systems.
• Collaborate across disciplines to integrate robotics with chemistry, materials, and software.

Skills

Robotics

Lab automation

Autonomous experimentation

Human-robot interaction

Robot manipulation

Python

Education

PhD in Robotics

Engineering background (Mech/Elect/CS)

Tools

Robot arms

Dexterous hands

Job description

UC Santa Barbara's COAST PCL seeks a Robotics Project Scientist to lead robotic manipulation and laboratory automation within its AI-driven materials platform.

You will split time between advancing autonomous experimentation and training researchers to operate robotic systems, while collaborating across chemistry, materials, and software teams.

Applicants should hold a PhD in robotics or related field with hands-on experience in robotic arms and end effectors.