We’re recruiting a Head of AI-Driven Robotics Lab. This role will lead our client’s strategy for AI and Automation in Life Sciences, and is based in Vienna, Austria.

Why apply?

Are you inspired by the idea of creating a world-class AI-integrated Robotics Lab from the ground up? Do you excel at the intersection of biology, automation, and artificial intelligence? This unique, once-in-a-career opportunity will allow you to lead the development of a state-of-the-art facility that will revolutionise AI-driven life sciences. You’ll have complete ownership of the strategy, design, construction, and team – with the budget, resources, and creative freedom to transform how machines produce and process experimental data.

Who are we?

Our client is an innovative research institute in Vienna, supported by significant philanthropic funding from a well known Foundation and long-term backing from additional third parties. Their mission is to reimagine biological discovery by embedding artificial intelligence and automation at its core. Combining the agility of a startup, the stability of a national institute, and the ambition to achieve global recognition.

What will you do?

As the Head of the Robotics Lab, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the design, development, and continuous improvement of an AI-optimized, automated lab.
• Building scalable, high-throughput biological data generation pipelines.
• Developing modular and adaptable lab systems to facilitate interdisciplinary use by top scientists and principal investigators.
• Collaborating closely with computational, AI/ML, and experimental scientists to co-design workflows and experiments.
• Maintaining hands-on involvement while recruiting, mentoring, and managing a high-performing team.
• Playing a key role in shaping the layout and infrastructure of the purpose-built facility, with a 3–4 year completion timeline.
• Establishing and nurturing partnerships with equipment vendors and global research collaborators.

What’s on offer?

• A competitive salary, so to attract international expertise.
• Full autonomy to design and lead the lab, with significant input into the facility’s final design.
• Long-term stability with guaranteed funding 
• Collaborate with some of the best minds in AI & Science. 
• A senior leadership role with broad influence across the institute – all scientific teams will actively collaborate with the lab.
• The opportunity to live in Vienna, one of Europe’s most livable cities, known for its high standard of living and excellent family infrastructure.

Recruitment process

We are currently shortlisting candidates, with a flexible start period anticipated in mid-to-late 2025 but sooner if possible. The goal is to align the successful candidate with the involvement in equipment planning and team setup. Relocation support to Vienna is available, and a long-term on-site presence is expected.

Your consultant - James Trott, Director at Aspire Life Sciences

James is the Director of Aspire Life Sciences and is leading this executive search. Expertise lies in executive and niche hiring at the crossroads of technology, AI, and life sciences. He has been retained by the client exclusively to lead this search. 

James said, “My goal is to provide transparency, insight, and continuous support throughout the hiring process. If this opportunity excites you and you’re curious about shaping the future of biology, I’d very much like to hear from you.”