Robotics Engineer

About the role:

The Janelia Experimental Technology (jET) group, in collaboration with the Reiser Lab (HHMI Janelia) and the Schnitzer Lab (Stanford University; HHMI), seeks a Staff Robotics Engineer to design and build AI-driven robotic systems for high-throughput brain imaging and behavioral phenotyping in Drosophila, a model organism powering modern neuroscience discoveries.

This project builds on the Schnitzer lab’s advances in robotic experimentation, laser microsurgery, and optical voltage imaging, and the Reiser labs’ expertise in instrumentation, fly behavior, neural circuit analysis, and connectomics. This position is part of AI@HHMI, a ten-year initiative to integrate artificial intelligence throughout the scientific process. The selected engineer will play a leading role in replicating, streamlining, and advancing the FlyMAX system—a state-of-the-art robotics platform for automating complex neuroscience experiments.

During the initial phase of the project, the engineer will spend significant time working on-site at Stanford University with the Schnitzer Lab to learn and document the existing FlyMAX system. This may involve an extended stay at Stanford during the initial ramp-up period. Afterward, the position will be based primarily at Janelia (Ashburn, VA), with periodic travel for continued collaboration.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• Access to advanced facilities in instrument design and fabrication, imaging, and computation.

• The opportunity to engage with world-class researchers, software engineers and AI/ML experts, contribute to impactful science, and be part of a dynamic community committed to advancing humanity’s understanding of fundamental scientific questions.

• Amenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-site childcare, free gyms, available on-campus housing, social and dining spaces, and convenient shuttle bus service to Janelia from the Washington D.C. metro area.

What you’ll do:

• Lead the engineering architecture and development of next-generation FlyMAX systems, integrating robotics, computer vision, and AI-driven control to automate Drosophila experiments.

• Integrate, troubleshoot, and revise hardware and software systems—robotics, controls, imaging, and data pipelines—into reliable, high-performance research tools.

• Develop and implement algorithms for machine vision, adaptive control, and real-time learning to support fully autonomous experimentation.

• Document and share new designs, workflows, and analytical tools with the broader scientific community.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field required; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.

• 8+ years of experience developing complex robotic or mechatronic systems, including a strong background in systems engineering, and autonomous control.

• Demonstrated success delivering end-to-end robotic systems that combine hardware, software, and intelligent control. Expertise in applying AI and machine learning in robotics, including computer vision, adaptive control, real-time decision systems, and programming in Python and C++ for seamless integration with sensing and actuation hardware.

• Proactive approach with practical skills in the following areas: electrical wiring and controls, mechanical design and assembly, modeling and simulation

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with enthusiasm for working alongside experimental biologists, engineers, and neuroscientists.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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