Software Engineer - Lab Automation (m/f/d) – Biotechnology

at  cytena GmbH

Who we are
CYTENA is a young and fast-growing high-tech company dedicated to developing automated high-precision lab instruments for the life science research and pharmaceutical industry. Its award-winning devices are used at prestigious academic and pharmaceutical labs around the world to automate workflows in numerous application areas, including stable cell line development, single-cell omics, high-throughput screening and drug discovery. Since 2019 CYTENA is part of the BICO Group.
BICO is the leading bio convergence company in the world, equipping hundreds of laboratories and thousands of scientists with cutting-edge life science technologies. By combining different technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science, and 3D bioprinting with biology, BICO enables customers to improve people’s health and lives for the better.
Our mission is: At CYTENA, we make the development of modern therapies faster, safer, and more affordable.
Join CYTENA in Freiburg im Breisgau as an Software Engineer - Automation Engineer (m/f/d) and play a pivotal role in advancing our C.STATION product, working in an agile team at the forefront of biotechnology automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine automation workflows for our cutting-edge workcells, including the integration of third-party components to elevate functionality and performance
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, contributing insights that keep our solutions at the forefront of lab automation innovation
• Lead on-site installations and training, validate systems, perform preventive maintenance, and provide ongoing customer support
• Work closely with application scientists to create and refine automated protocols for cell culture and analysis

Qualifications

• Degree or technical training in biotechnology, engineering, or a related field
• Familiarity with laboratory automation and experience in cell culture techniques is a plu.
• Intermediate proficiency in programming, ideally in C#/.NET or Python, with a readiness to learn and adapt
• Experience with pipetting robots and lab scheduling software (e.g., Biosero GreenButtonGo) is an advantage
• Strong ability to work independently with a proactive, results-oriented approach
• Excellent collaboration skills, with a focus on efficient project execution
• Fluent in English; proficiency in German is beneficial
• Able to travel globally to customer sites up to 20% of the time

[Your CV is written in German or English? We accept your application documents in both languages.]
What we offer

Joining CYTENA means being part of something big and shaping the future of medicine. We are a fast-growing life sciences company with award winning products and a fun, cool team that is friendly and supportive.

• Agile start-up culture: We are a dynamic and international company and are proud of our flat organizational structure. We work agile in cross-functional teams.
• Flexible working: We focus on results not working hours or location. We want our employees to be as productive and happy as possible and therefore rely on a hybrid working model with a lot of flexibility.
• Workplace: An important requirement to work productively! You will have a well-equipped workplace with proper IT-Equipment.
• Team building: Teamwork is a top priority for us! We are open-minded, help each other and enjoy organizing team events.
• Benefits: The CYTENA team always gives its best, and we want to give something back. You can choose between three great benefits: public transport job ticket, Givve Card or Hansefit - your choice!
• On top: We offer free fruit, water and coffee, a cereal and snack bar, a well-connected office with a fantastic rooftop terrace, ball pool, chillout area, underground parking spaces and many more …
• Green City Freiburg: You will find our new and modern Green City Office in the Güterbahnhof-Areal, the new vibrant district of Freiburg. At the gates of the Black Forest in the sunny southwest of Germany, you will find the green university city Freiburg with its historic city center, its unbeatable charm and a wide range of leisure and cultural activities.
• Company Pension Plan: The future of our employees is important to us. It is possible to participate in the company pension plan by our insurance partner with attractive conditions and an above-legal employer’s subsidy.
• A chance to make a difference: We are in the life sciences industry and our work is an excellent way to contribute to the development of new drugs and treatments that will be used to help hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

Do you want to become part of our success story? Then apply online via our job portal. Please note that for Data Privacy compliance we are not able to accept any e-mail applications!
At CYTENA, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. We are an equal opportunity workplace and will always pride ourselves on being a collaborative environment

• Develop and refine automation workflows for our cutting-edge workcells, including the integration of third-party components to elevate functionality and performance
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, contributing insights that keep our solutions at the forefront of lab automation innovation
• Lead on-site installations and training, validate systems, perform preventive maintenance, and provide ongoing customer support
• Work closely with application scientists to create and refine automated protocols for cell culture and analysi