Laboratory Automation Engineer (Robotics and Digital Twins)

The posting, as Axle wrote it

(ID: 2026-3890)

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in
translational research, biomedical informatics, and data
science applications to research centers and healthcare
organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in
biomedical science, software engineering, and program
management, we focus on developing and applying research
tools and techniques to empower decision-making and
accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the
top research organizations and facilities in the country
including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of
Health (NIH).

Benefits We Offer

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus

Flexible Spending Accounts

• Healthcare (FSA)
• Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
• Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
• Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Position Overview

The Laboratory Automation Engineer will program, integrate, and keep running the robots of the autonomous laboratory in Bethesda, starting with the BAB400, so that biological experiments run reliably without a person at the bench. The role builds the software layer that turns robot hardware into orchestrated, repeatable workflows, using the MADSci framework from Argonne National Laboratory. It also builds digital twins of the robots and workcells, used to plan, test, and validate protocols before they run on real hardware. The position combines hands-on robotics work in a biological lab with production-quality software development, and it works closely with IDSS data engineers, bioinformaticians, and the biologists who define the protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Robot programming and control. Program, calibrate, and maintain the BAB400 and other laboratory robots, including arms, liquid handlers, plate movers, and incubator and imaging interfaces.
• MADSci integration. Deploy MADSci modules, nodes, and workcell definitions so each robot and instrument can be commanded, monitored, and scheduled through a common interface. Contribute fixes and new modules back to the framework where appropriate.
• Workflow development and scheduling. Translate biological protocols (cell culture, iPSC maintenance, passaging, media exchange, imaging, sampling) into automated workflows with sequencing, timing, resource tracking, and recovery from failures.
• Instrument and data integration. Connect robot and instrument outputs to the data pipelines, LIMS, and metadata systems maintained by IDSS, so every run is logged, traceable, and reusable.
• Validation and reliability. Develop acceptance tests, error handling, logging, and monitoring. Troubleshoot hardware and software faults, and document root causes and fixes.
• Safety and compliance. Implement interlocks and safe-state behavior, and follow laboratory, biosafety, and NIH/HHS security requirements.

[…]

• Experience with stem cell, iPSC, organoid, or tissue engineering laboratories.
• Experience with self-driving or autonomous laboratories, including closed-loop experiments driven by ML or optimization.
• Familiarity with ROS 2, robot kinematics, and computer vision for labware or sample detection.
• Experience with Kubernetes, CI/CD, and message-based architectures (MQTT, Redis, or similar).
• Familiarity with LIMS, ELN, and metadata standards, and with FAIR data principles.
• Experience with imaging instruments and plate-based assays.
• Experience building or using simulation or digital-twin models of robotic systems, or a clear record of learning a new simulator quickly.

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and
level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not
restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals
may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle’s employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity
in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race,
gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation,
status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law
and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: careers@axleinfo.com

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation range listed below. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location.

Salary Range
$120,000 — $160,000 USD