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Lab Automation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mindlance

Automation Engineer IV

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

... lab environments. • Convert qualification test plans into automated, repeatable suites and ... Required : • 3+ years in software/network test automation or QA engineering. • Strong Python ...

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Natera

Senior Lab Automation Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$106K - $133K/yr

The Senior Lab Automation Engineer is an experienced engineer with expertise in the development and implementation of complex laboratory automation and integrated systems. They can work independently ...

Natera

Senior Lab Automation Engineer

Austin, TX

$106K - $133K/yr

The Senior Lab Automation Engineer is an experienced engineer with expertise in the development and implementation of complex laboratory automation and integrated systems. They can work independently ...

MaverickX

Biology Lab Technician - Automation

Austin, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

The Role We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Lab Automation Technician to join our growing R&D team. In this role, you will support and operate automated liquid handling systems and ...

MaverickX

Biology Lab Technician - Automation

Austin, TX · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

The Role We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Lab Automation Technician to join our growing R&D team. In this role, you will support and operate automated liquid handling systems and ...

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Lab Automation information

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How much do lab automation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab automation in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lab Automation vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AutomationLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science, engineering, or related field; certifications in automation systems are a plusUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks with automated systems, robotics, and software in labs or manufacturing settingsPerforms manual testing, sample preparation, and data recording in laboratory settings
Industry UsageCommon in biotech, pharmaceutical, and research labs focusing on automationFound across medical, environmental, and industrial laboratories performing routine testing

Lab Automation specialists focus on designing, maintaining, and improving automated laboratory systems, often requiring technical and engineering skills. Laboratory Technicians perform manual testing and sample processing, typically with less emphasis on automation. Both roles are essential in laboratory operations but differ in technical complexity and daily tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Lab Automation, and why are they important?

To excel in Lab Automation, you need a strong background in laboratory science, automation technology, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), robotics, and programming languages like Python or VBA is highly advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate, efficient, and scalable laboratory workflows, driving productivity and innovation in scientific research or diagnostics.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in lab automation and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in lab automation roles is integrating new automation technologies with existing laboratory equipment and workflows. This can require close collaboration with scientists, IT staff, and vendors to ensure compatibility and minimize disruptions. Keeping up with rapidly changing technology and troubleshooting complex systems are also frequent aspects of the job. Continuous training, proactive maintenance, and clear communication with cross-functional teams can help address these challenges and support efficient lab operations.

What is lab automation?

Lab automation refers to the use of technology, such as robotics and software, to perform laboratory tasks with minimal human intervention. This approach increases efficiency, improves accuracy, and reduces the risk of human error in tasks like sample preparation, testing, and data analysis. Lab automation is widely used in research, clinical labs, and pharmaceutical development to streamline workflows and handle large volumes of samples. Automation can range from simple liquid handling robots to fully integrated systems that manage entire laboratory processes.
More about Lab Automation jobs
What cities are hiring for Lab Automation jobs? Cities with the most Lab Automation job openings:
What states have the most Lab Automation jobs? States with the most job openings for Lab Automation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lab Automation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Automation jobs are:
Lab Automation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Automation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Automation Scientist Intern, RAC Operations

Automation Scientist Intern, RAC Operations

Ginkgo Bioworks Inc.

Boston, MA

$37K - $53K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The role is based out of Ginkgo's Boston, MA location and requires regular in-person attendance.

About the Role: Ginkgo Bioworks is deploying a massive fleet of Reconfigurable Automation Cells (RACs)-modular, mobile robotic units that snap together like LEGOs to form an autonomous lab. We are looking for an Automation Scientist Intern to be the hands-on force behind this fleet. You will learn how to load, operate, take down, and troubleshoot protocol runs on the most advanced lab automation hardware in the world, pushing our "Nebula" frontier lab towards autonomous operation.

Responsibilities:

  • Master the RAC Platform: Learn to operate and maintain a system of Reconfigurable Automation Cells, designed to support a variety of molecular and cell biology scientific workflows. You will queue and submit programmatically-generated protocols, remote monitor for errors and conduct remote and on-site error recovery, with the support of our Apex Support team. Over time, you will advance to modifying or writing new protocols for our RAC Automation system.
  • Learn Biology: You will prepare and onboard reagents and consumables for upcoming molecular and cell biology scientific workflows, execute and monitor such workflows, and take down and offboard used plates from completed workflows.  In the process, you will learn how to carefully handle and prepare reagents and consumables for workflows, do basic monitoring and error recovery of runs and safely dispose of used plates from completed workflows.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • No college degree necessary but some skills in coding, biology or computational biology required. 
  • "Automation-forward" mindset: you love working with lab automation and making robotic systems run smoother.
  • Willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure that existing and new scientific workflows run successfully on our RAC automation system.

Bonus (not required):

  • Interest in communications, marketing, social media, and/or short form video

About the Role: Ginkgo Bioworks is deploying a massive fleet of Reconfigurable Automation Cells (RACs)-modular, mobile robotic units that snap together like LEGOs to form an autonomous lab. We are looking for an Automation Scientist Intern to be the hands-on force behind this fleet. You will learn how to load, operate, take down, and troubleshoot protocol runs on the most advanced lab automation hardware in the world, pushing our "Nebula" frontier lab towards autonomous operation.

Responsibilities:

  • Master the RAC Platform: Learn to operate and maintain a system of Reconfigurable Automation Cells, designed to support a variety of molecular and cell biology scientific workflows. You will queue and submit programmatically-generated protocols, remote monitor for errors and conduct remote and on-site error recovery, with the support of our Apex Support team. Over time, you will advance to modifying or writing new protocols for our RAC Automation system.
  • Learn Biology: You will prepare and onboard reagents and consumables for upcoming molecular and cell biology scientific workflows, execute and monitor such workflows, and take down and offboard used plates from completed workflows.  In the process, you will learn how to carefully handle and prepare reagents and consumables for workflows, do basic monitoring and error recovery of runs and safely dispose of used plates from completed workflows.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • No college degree necessary but some skills in coding, biology or computational biology required. 
  • "Automation-forward" mindset: you love working with lab automation and making robotic systems run smoother.
  • Willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure that existing and new scientific workflows run successfully on our RAC automation system.

Bonus (not required):

  • Interest in communications, marketing, social media, and/or short form video

The base salary range for this role is $37,700-$53,500. Actual pay within this range will depend on a candidate's skills, expertise, and experience. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental & vision coverage, health spending accounts, voluntary benefits, leave of absence policies, 8 paid holidays in addition to a full-week winter shutdown and unlimited Paid Time Off policy.

*It is expected that all Internships are onsite five days a week. 

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