The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in the life sciences. Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders innovate research practices and technologies to solve biology’s deepest mysteries. HHMI launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually enriching environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work. We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community. About the role: The Janelia Experimental Technology (jET) group, in collaboration with the Reiser Lab (HHMI Janelia) and the Schnitzer Lab (Stanford University; HHMI) , seeks a Staff Robotics Engineer to design and build AI-driven robotic systems for high-throughput brain imaging and behavioral phenotyping in Drosophila, a model organism powering modern neuroscience discoveries. This project builds on the Schnitzer lab’s advances in robotic experimentation, laser microsurgery, and optical voltage imaging, and the Reiser labs’ expertise in instrumentation, fly behavior, neural circuit analysis, and connectomics. This position is part of AI@ HHMI , a ten-year initiative to integrate artificial intelligence throughout the scientific process. The selected engineer will play a leading role in replicating, streamlining, and advancing the FlyMAX system —a state-of-the-art robotics platform for automating complex neuroscience experiments. During the initial phase of the project , the engineer will spend significant time working on-site at Stanford University with the Schnitzer Lab to learn and document the existing FlyMAX system. This may involve an extended stay at Stanford during the initial ramp-up period . Afterward, the position will be based primarily at Janelia (Ashburn, VA) , with periodic travel for continued collaboration. What we provide: A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits. Access to advanced facilities in instrument design and fabrication, imaging, and computation. The opportunity to engage with world-class researchers, software engineers and AI/ML experts, contribute to impactful science, and be part of a dynamic community committed to advancing humanity’s understanding of fundamental scientific questions. Amenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-site childcare, free gyms, available on-campus housing, social and dining spaces, and convenient shuttle bus service to Janelia from the Washington D.C. metro area.