About the role#
Ginkgo Bioworks is building a Total Autonomous Lab where scientific work is requested by code and executed by robots. We are looking for a Software Intern to help build the digital brain of this facility. You will work with Catalyst, our proprietary software stack that orchestrates fleets of Reconfigurable Automation Cells. This role is for engineers who want to apply their skills to physical systems or computational biologists who want to move into autonomous execution.
What you'll do#
- Enable Protocols as Code: Develop and refine Python-based protocols using the Catalyst Client to control liquid handlers, plate readers, and robotic arms.
- Build the AI Scientist: Assist in the development of Catalyst Agent, our LLM-based interface that allows scientists to launch experiments using natural language.
- Integrate Lab Data: Work on data pipelines that automatically harvest, structure, and upload experimental data from RACs into our data lake for AI model training.
- Develop Device Drivers: Help integrate new hardware instruments into the Catalyst ecosystem by writing the drivers that allow our software to communicate with new lab tools.
What you'll need#
- Recent graduate (BS/MS) or current student in Computer Science, Bioengineering, or a related STEM field.
- Strong proficiency in Python.
- Experience with hardware control or APIs is a plus.
- Enthusiasm for Lab-in-the-Loop technologies where AI models drive physical experimentation.
- Interest in biological data standards and laboratory automation.
Location & details#
- Location: Emeryville, California.
- Modality: This is an on-site role, five days a week.
- Status: Full-time internship.
- Compensation: The base salary range is $45,100 to $63,600 depending on skills and experience.
- Benefits: Includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, health spending accounts, voluntary benefits, leave of absence policies, 8 paid holidays, a winter shutdown, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
About Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc.
Ginkgo Bioworks is a biotechnology research company based in Boston. Founded in 2009, the firm builds tools for biological engineering. It operates autonomous laboratories that use robotics to assist scientists with their work. The company employs 515 people and functions as a public entity.
How to get in at Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc.
Applying to Ginkgo Bioworks early is a significant advantage because recruiters review applications before the candidate pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first and get seen before the pile grows. Reaching out to the people hiring for these roles often yields better results than submitting to a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates.
