Research Software Engineer - iBioFoundry, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign· startup· Higher Education· Sep 16, 2026 · 1mo ago
Urbana, IL
In office
Full-time
Mid
$75K–$100K
2+ years exp
Job description
Research Software Engineer - iBioFoundry, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
The NSF iBioFoundry operates a
cloud-based biofoundry that automates basic and applied biological research
using artificial intelligence and robotics. We are seeking an experienced,
self-motivated Research Software Engineer to lead software development toward a
fully autonomous laboratory capable of planning and executing experiments with
minimal human intervention. You will help build the next generation of
biofoundries: fully automated, self-driving, and remotely accessible to enable
the broader scientific community to advance synthetic biology and related
fields. We are looking for someone with hands-on experience in software
architecture, AI-driven systems, and IT operations who thrives in a focused,
high-ownership environment.
Job Summary
The Research Software Engineer develops, maintains, and supports the software infrastructure that enables automated and autonomous laboratory operations within the NSF iBioFoundry. The position is responsible for designing and implementing reliable software systems that integrate artificial intelligence, robotics, laboratory automation, and distributed computing to support the planning and execution of biological research experiments. This position provides technical expertise and full management of critical software infrastructure, with an emphasis on system reliability, fault tolerance, observability, and safe operation.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Implement, operate, and continuously improve a multi-agent AI system that plans biological research and translates high-level research objectives into executable experimental workflows. Integrate AI-generated workflows with robotic systems and a central scheduler controlling laboratory instruments, including liquid handlers, thermocyclers, incubators, plate readers, and mass spectrometers.
• Maintain and implement critical components of the software backbone supporting autonomous laboratory operations. Write, test, document, and maintain failure-sensitive software with a strong emphasis on reliability, observability, fault tolerance, and safe operation. Develop deep system-level expertise and take ownership of the technical integrity of core infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain an open-source scheduler for experiment planning, instrument coordination, and laboratory automation in close collaboration with researchers and engineers. Design scheduling infrastructure that can reliably coordinate complex, concurrent workflows across heterogeneous laboratory equipment.
• Design software architecture and operational practices that enable rapid troubleshooting, clear failure diagnosis, and long-term system evolution. Establish and promote engineering best practices for testing, monitoring, deployment, documentation, version control, and incident response in a complex research environment.
• Build robust data pipelines, services, and APIs connecting AI agents, laboratory instruments, experiment-management systems, and scientific databases. Ensure that experimental data and system state are reliably captured, accessible, traceable, and usable by both humans and AI systems.
• As the program grows, you will have increasing responsibility for coordinating a team of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Assign and prioritize technical work, review code and architectural decisions, establish software engineering best practices, and mentor team members through successful project delivery.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in computer science, Artificial Intelligence, bioinformatics, computational biology, software engineering, or a related field.
2+ years of professional full-stack software development experience in relevant areas such as biology, chemistry, engineering, or similar.
Operation of Cloud infrastructure and managing containers, e.g., Docker, Kubernetes.
Include a substantive cover letter, updated resume/CV, portfolio examples demonstrating software design, IT operations, personal GitHub; and contact information for a minimum of three professional references. Supply links or attachments clearly demonstrating each of these qualifications. If your work is under a DNA, please indicate this rather than omitting the item.
Preferred Qualifications
MS or PhD in CS, AI, Engineering, or a related field.
Hands on experience with agent AI and/or physical AI systems.
Experience with laboratory hardware automation, e.g., Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Thermo Fisher.
Prior contributions to scientific open source software or AI for science projects.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Research-oriented mindset, comfortable with ambiguity and iterative experimentation.
• Strong sense of ownership: identifies problems and drives solutions proactively.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work closely with biologists and engineers.
• Enjoyment of mentoring students through code review and project guidance.
• Solid software engineering fundamentals: version control, testing, modular design, and CI/CD.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 11/1/2026. The budgeted salary range for this position is $75,000 - $100,000 per year. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.
This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 14, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact igb-hr@mx.uillinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu .
Requisition ID : 1037936
Job Category : Research
Apply at: jobs.illinois.edu
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
Paid Time Off