AI/ML Engineer - Entry Level

Battelle • Columbus, OH

2d • $71,200 - $101,400 • Hybrid

About The Position

Battelle is seeking an entry-level AI/ML Engineer to improve laboratory efficiency through practical AI, automation, and data solutions. The role works alongside scientists, technicians, quality staff, and technology teams to identify repetitive or time-consuming work and develop tools that simplify laboratory workflows, reduce manual and redundant effort, improve data quality, and support faster, more consistent operations while capturing data for larger AI and machine learning initiatives.

This is a hands-on learning role. Initial projects may include AI-assisted data review, sample and inventory tracking, workflow automation, dashboards, laboratory scheduling, document search, and tools that help staff access and use laboratory information more effectively. The position is full-time and located in Columbus, Ohio. Battelle describes its work arrangement as hybrid, typically 60% in-office and 40% remote, subject to team and position needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Laboratory Science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Zero to two years of relevant experience, including internships, co-ops, research, coursework, or significant projects.
• Interest in applying AI, data, software, or automation to improve laboratory operations.
• Foundational experience with one or more of the following: Microsoft Power Platform, generative AI tool use and development, Python, SQL, data visualization, workflow automation, or application development.
• Ability to learn laboratory processes, collaborate with end users, solve practical problems, and communicate clearly.
• Basic understanding of data quality, testing, documentation, and the responsible use of technology.
• Authorization to work in the United States; Battelle is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

• Laboratory, research, manufacturing, environmental, healthcare, or other technical operating experience.
• Exposure to LIMS, electronic laboratory notebooks, scientific instruments, sample tracking, inventory, or quality systems.
• Experience developing AI-assisted tools, prompts, workflows, dashboards, or applications through coursework or projects.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, process mapping, root-cause analysis, Git, APIs, or cloud services.

Responsibilities

• Assist with building practical AI tools, low-code applications, dashboards, forms, and automated workflows using approved platforms.
• Help organize and analyze laboratory data to improve sample tracking, inventory, scheduling, instrument utilization, reporting, and turnaround time.
• Learn and document laboratory workflows to identify bottlenecks, manual steps, and opportunities for AI or automation.
• Use approved tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, Visual Studio, Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI, SharePoint, Python, and SQL.
• Support integration among laboratory systems, instrument data, spreadsheets, databases, and business applications.
• Help develop and maintain internal data management systems and electronic notebooks across multiple laboratory environments.
• Participate in requirements gathering, testing, validation, documentation, training, and end-user support.
• Capture and report metrics such as time saved, reduced manual entries, fewer errors, improved data access, and increased user adoption.
• Follow requirements for cybersecurity, data protection, responsible AI, quality, safety, and change control within internal and client frameworks.

Benefits

• Flexible, compressed work schedule, with most team members receiving every other Friday off.
• Hybrid work flexibility, typically 60% in-office and 40% remote, dependent on team and position needs.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits.
• Optional supplemental benefits.
• Coverage and support for partners, gender-affirming care, and family formation.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, with a 5% employer contribution for most employees regardless of employee contribution, plus matching contributions.
• Tuition assistance for higher education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level