Lab Automation Technician

50%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The ETH domain has recently launched the Catalysis Hub (Swiss Cat+), a technology platform dedicated to automated and data-driven experimentation in the field of catalysis. The East Hub, located at ETH Zurich focusses on heterogeneous catalysis and the West Hub at EPFL on homogeneous catalysis. To accelerate the discovery of new catalysts and their chemical understanding at the molecular level, advanced computational methods using artificial intelligence/machine learning algorithms are used on the large databases generated by the devices.

Project background

The ETHZ Catalysis Hub hosts state-of-the-art robotic and high-throughput equipment to synthesize, characterize and evaluate catalysts (Catalysis Hub | ETH Zurich ). As an open-access technology platform, the Swiss Cat+ aims to offer tools and expertise to the Swiss scientific community investigating catalytic processes, particularly for the production of sustainable fuels and chemicals. As such Swiss Cat+ interacts with some of the best academic and private research groups in this field. The role of the Hub is to translate project requests from users/customers into a set of high-throughput and automated experiments. The large amounts of data gathered on the machines will drive the design of better-performing catalysts and provide a valuable source of information to the research groups about the materials’ structure-activity relationships.

Job description

The ETHZ Catalysis Hub (Swiss Cat+ East) is seeking to hire a Lab Technician to support the preparation, operation, and maintenance of the different automated and high-throughput devices. The main tasks are:

• Maintain laboratory and keep devices operational, ensuring they are clean, calibrated, and can be operated in a safe way according to ETHZ rules and regulations.
• Ensure lab equipment and related consumables (chemicals, spare parts, gas cylinders) are available at any time.
• Initiate the operation of the equipment according to predefined methods/recipes.
• Prepare, transport, and load samples from one device to the other.
• Ensure the Electronic Lab Notebook and other databases are up to date.
• Support the implementation of the highest safety standards in the laboratory (chemical segregation, waste management, SOPs, PPE).
• Collaborate with the Automation and Data Scientists to set-up/optimize the experimental protocols, analytical methods and data analysis workflow.
• Train users when needed.

Your profile

The candidates should present the following technical background and profile:

• Apprenticeship + some years of professional experience as a laboratory technician or a Bachelor's degree from a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in chemical or mechanical engineering.
• Knowledge about automated and high-throughput laboratory equipment, heterogeneous catalysis, and/or computer science would be a plus.
• Passionate to learn about new technologies, lab automation, and sustainable chemistry.
• Enthusiastic team player with good communication in English (German and/or French would be a plus), collaborative, autonomous, and proactive working style.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections worldwide, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

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We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our

Equal Opportunities and Diversity website

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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application alongside with your CV.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Paco Laveille by email at [email protected]

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich applies.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.