Software Intern, Autonomous Lab

About this role

Join Ginkgo Bioworks to help build the software infrastructure for an autonomous laboratory where robots execute scientific experiments 24/7. You'll work on the Catalyst platform—a proprietary software stack that controls robotic systems—developing Python-based protocols, integrating AI interfaces, and building data pipelines for biological experimentation.

What you'll do

• Develop Python-based laboratory protocols using the Catalyst Client to control robotic equipment like liquid handlers and plate readers
• Assist in building Catalyst Agent, an LLM-powered interface enabling scientists to design experiments using natural language
• Create data pipelines to automatically collect and structure experimental results from robotic systems for AI model training
• Write device drivers to integrate new laboratory instruments into the Catalyst ecosystem
• Support the vision of autonomous, AI-driven biological research execution

What they're looking for

• Python programming
• Hardware control and APIs
• Software architecture for physical systems
• Data pipeline development
• Laboratory automation concepts
• API integration
• Problem-solving for complex engineering challenges

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health spending accounts
• 8 paid holidays plus full-week winter shutdown
• Unlimited Paid Time Off
• Competitive salary ($37,700–$53,500 range)
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge biotech automation