Research Associate (Molecular Biology / Protein engineering)

Adaptyv seeks a Research Associate in Lausanne to run protein engineering workflows and support its automated lab infrastructure for AI-driven biology experiments.

This position supports Adaptyv's mission to build an automated laboratory where AI agents can independently conduct biological research. The role focuses on executing protein expression and characterization protocols while adapting benchtop methods for robotic systems, enabling the company's infrastructure to bridge AI with physical experimentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform protein expression workflows using cell-free systems (PURE, lysate-based), E. coli, and potentially mammalian setups.
• Carry out high-throughput DNA synthesis and assembly procedures, including PCR, Golden Gate, and Gibson methods.
• Conduct binding and characterization assays such as BLI, SPR, thermostability tests, enzyme activity measurements, and developability assessments.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to protein expression failures, misfolding, or aggregation.
• Prepare necessary reagents, handle samples, and document experiments using LabOS.
• Analyze experimental results, including expression gels, chromatograms, and binding curves.
• Collaborate with the automation team to modify manual bench protocols for integration into robotic workflows.

Requirements

• Hold a BSc or MSc in molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrate practical expertise in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, cloning, gel electrophoresis, and DNA purification.
• Show prior experience with protein expression in at least one system.
• Be proficient in DNA assembly techniques like Golden Gate, Gibson, or restriction cloning.
• Possess hands-on experience with biophysical and analytical characterization methods including BLI, SPR, plate reader assays, nanoDSF, HPLC-SEC, and CE-SDS.
• Be comfortable writing scripts in Python or similar programming languages.
• Maintain a high level of organization and precision in daily tasks.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and independent problem-solving.

Nice to have

• Experience with high-throughput DNA assembly methods.

About the company

Adaptyv is a rapidly growing biotech company trusted by leading biopharmas, frontier AI labs, and techbio firms. The company is pioneering the era of agentic science, where AI models design novel proteins, propose hypotheses, and iterate on experimental results. Adaptyv is scaling its operations to meet massive demand for AI-driven wet lab experimentation, supported by a deep software and hardware stack that enables API-controllable hardware and complex automated workflows.

• Operating at the forefront of agentic science, where AI models design proteins and iterate on experimental results.
• Rapidly scaling to support massive demand for AI-driven wet lab experimentation.
• Trusted by leading biopharmas, frontier AI labs, and techbio companies.
• Powered by a deep software and hardware stack including API-controllable hardware and complex workflows.