Lab Automation Engineer - Workflow Development & Integration | Life Sciences

Location: one-north, Singapore (on-site)

Business Unit: Life Sciences

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Reporting to: Head of AI for Science (AI4S) R&D (US)

About the Company

Galatek is a Singapore-headquartered deep technology company focused on enabling the next generation of scientific discovery and advanced manufacturing. Combining artificial intelligence, precision engineering, advanced optics, and software platforms, we develop intelligent systems that help organizations operate with greater precision, productivity, and insight.

As science and industry become increasingly interconnected, Galatek is building the intelligent infrastructure that empowers breakthrough discoveries, accelerates industrial progress, and contributes to a more sustainable future. Operating across Asia, Europe, and North America, we partner with customers worldwide to transform complex workflows into intelligent, scalable, and future-ready systems.

About the Role

As a Lab Automation Engineer - Workflow Development & Integration, you will develop, implement, and optimize automated experimental workflows on Galatek's laboratory automation platforms. You will work closely with experimental scientists, software engineers, and hardware integration teams to translate laboratory protocols into executable automation scripts and coordinate workflows across liquid handlers, robotic systems, and integrated laboratory instruments.

A key focus of this role will be advancing Galatek's Physical AI capabilities for laboratory automation, bridging AI-driven experimental planning with real-world robotic execution. You will help develop intelligent and adaptable automation workflows that enable laboratory instruments to operate as coordinated systems, supporting increasingly autonomous scientific experimentation.

We are looking for an engineer with a background in laboratory automation, scientific instrumentation, or related life science applications who enjoys working at the interface of experimental research, robotics, and AI-driven automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory Workflow Automation: Translate experimental protocols into automated methods and executable scripts, covering operations such as liquid dispensing, sample transfers, incubation, plate handling, and instrument scheduling.
• Automation Programming: Develop, test, and troubleshoot scripts for liquid handlers, robotic work cells, and other automated laboratory systems.
• Instrument Integration: Support the configuration and integration of laboratory instruments, including liquid handlers, plate readers, incubators, high-content imaging systems, and robotic arms, using vendor software, APIs, or SDKs.
• Workflow Development & Optimization: Collaborate with experimental scientists to optimize automated methods for reliability, reproducibility, throughput, and sample handling.
• System Testing & Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve automation-related issues involving instrument communication, workflow sequencing, liquid-handling operations, and hardware–software interactions.
• Platform Integration: Work with internal software and engineering teams to implement experimental workflows using Galatek's laboratory orchestration software.
• Reference Laboratory Support: Assist in establishing and operating Galatek's Singapore R&D laboratory, including setting up automated instruments, testing new workflows, and supporting experimental execution.
• Documentation & Training: Develop automation protocols, SOPs, technical documentation, and user guides for laboratory workflows.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree or above in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Relevant Experience: At least 2–3 years of experience in laboratory automation, scientific instrumentation, life science equipment integration, or related technical applications.
• Laboratory Instrument Familiarity: Practical familiarity with laboratory automation equipment or scientific instruments, such as liquid handlers, plate readers, automated incubators, imaging systems, or robotic sample-handling systems.
• Programming: Experience with Python, C#, or another relevant programming language, including scripting, debugging, and troubleshooting.
• Workflow Understanding: Understanding of laboratory workflows, instrument operations, and the principles of converting manual procedures into automated processes.
• Systems Integration: Familiarity with instrument control software, communication interfaces, APIs, or vendor SDKs.
• Problem-Solving: Strong ability to troubleshoot technical issues and develop practical solutions for automated laboratory workflows.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with experimental scientists, software developers, and engineering teams.

Nice to Have

• Hands-on experience programming liquid handlers such as Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Opentrons, or similar platforms.
• Experience with laboratory orchestration software such as Biosero Green Button Go, HighRes Cellario, or equivalent systems.
• Familiarity with SiLA 2, REST APIs, TCP/IP, serial communication, or vendor instrument SDKs.
• Experience integrating multiple laboratory instruments into automated work cells.
• Familiarity with cell culture, high-throughput screening, molecular biology, or other life science laboratory workflows.
• Experience with automated imaging or high-content screening systems.

Ready to Build What's Next

We're not just designing machines - we're building the future of autonomous and intelligent science and manufacturing. Join Galatek and help develop the next generation of automated experimental platforms supporting AI-driven scientific discovery.

Galatek is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate different perspectives and believe diversity drives innovation. All employment decisions are made fairly, without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other characteristic that makes each individual unique.

For interested applicants, we welcome you to apply via the link / submit your updated resume to [Confidential Information] for consideration. We appreciate your interest and look forward to hearing from you. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.