Robotics Project Scientist - AI-Driven Lab Automation Lead

University of California - Santa Barbara; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

The COAST PCL Robotics Project Scientist at UCSB Goleta leads robotic manipulation and laboratory automation within COAST PCL, reporting to the Associate Director. This 100% time position emphasizes 30% in-house research and 70% training internal and external users to operate automated experiments safely and efficiently.

You will design, deploy, and troubleshoot robotic workflows, integrate arms and end effectors with analytical instrumentation, and collaborate across materials, chemistry, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Robotics or a closely related engineering field with demonstrated depth in robotics.
• Strong understanding of recent advances in manipulation and learning-based methods.
• Experience with robotic manipulation, including work with robot arms and end effectors or robotic hands.
• Strong programming skills, with proficiency in Python.
• Experience deploying robotic systems in scientific, laboratory, and/or industrial automation settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead the robotic manipulation and laboratory automation capability at COAST PCL.
• Design, develop, and deploy robotic manipulation systems for automated synthesis and characterization tasks.
• Train internal and external users in operation of robotic systems and automated experiments.
• Collaborate across disciplines to bridge robotics with chemistry, materials, and software teams.

Skills

Robotics

Python

CAD

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD in Robotics or related engineering field

Tools

Robot arms

End effectors

CAD

Robotics frameworks

Job description

The COAST PCL Robotics Project Scientist at UCSB Goleta leads robotic manipulation and laboratory automation within COAST PCL, reporting to the Associate Director. This 100% time position emphasizes 30% in-house research and 70% training internal and external users to operate automated experiments safely and efficiently.

You will design, deploy, and troubleshoot robotic workflows, integrate arms and end effectors with analytical instrumentation, and collaborate across materials, chemistry, and