What’s it like to work at the cutting edge of AI and automation for scientific discovery?
We recently visited the team at Atinary Technologies in their offices at Biopôle. From lively brainstorming sessions to a spontaneous foosball match, we got a real taste of their company’s culture. Here are some insights we gathered during our visit.
What drives your company?
At Atinary, our driving force is simple, yet powerful: we want to accelerate innovation for a healthier, more sustainable future by reimagining R&D. Our mission is to empower scientists with our Self-Driving Labs technology – a no-code AI platform that integrates with robotics. We enable faster and more cost-effective discovery of breakthrough materials and molecules from millions of possible combinations.
Behind the technology, you’ll find an interdisciplinary team with a shared commitment to this mission. As Roxane (Software Engineer at Atinary) shares: ‘I had a coup-de-cœur for the team and their mission. It immediately felt like a place where I could learn & grow while getting to contribute to science‘. Our work is guided by core values of innovation, collaboration and agility. We work closely with both academic and industry partners, all united by a desire to bring this vision to life.
What is your company culture like?
Our team’s DNA is a vibrant blend of cultural traditions from across the globe. Our culture is built on a fun-loving and dynamic spirit. We work hard and smart, but we also know the importance of unplugging. You might find us in a competitive game of foosball, grabbing a coffee together or taking a walk on the Biopôle campus overlooking the mountains. Some of us also go for runs up in Épalinges. We also make sure to celebrate both individual and team milestones because every success, big or small, matters.
Since our team is based in Switzerland and in the US, we make sure to gather everyone together a few times a year for our ‘Outinaries’ (Atinary outings): social gatherings, team activities and shared adventures to connect, laugh and enjoy time together outside of work.
What kind of profiles are you looking for?
We are looking for curious minds and collaborative spirits who are aligned with our mission to make a positive impact on the R&D industry. We value individuals who embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and who aren’t afraid of out-of-the-box thinking.
Our team is a mix of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We have hired everyone from recent graduates with bachelor’s degrees to seasoned professionals with PhDs and extensive industry experience. Our interdisciplinary team includes software developers and engineers, computer and data scientists, machine learning specialists, chemists, molecular biologists, biochemists and business professionals. We believe that every background brings a unique set of skills to the table.
We occasionally offer internship opportunities for students who want to combine academic learning with real-world applications. Indeed, Lucien, ML Scientist and former intern at Atinary, recalls: ‘The team and the vision of Atinary allow me to learn a lot from experts in different fields. I love the trade-off between cutting-edge research and direct client application of our technology.’
How do you support your employees’ growth?
At our company, we believe that people matter, and that belief is the foundation of our entire employee experience. We have a structured onboarding process to ensure that every new team member feels welcomed and fully supported from their first day. The journey begins with a welcome breakfast, followed by an introduction to a dedicated ‘buddy’ who acts as a lighthouse, guiding newcomers as they navigate their new role and begin to thrive within our unique team.
In our fast-paced industry, we value continuous learning and staying informed about new technologies and trends. We bring in experts, such as a professor from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) with deep start-up experience, to lead coaching sessions.
Our internship opportunities offer students valuable hands-on experience, while also giving our team members the chance to mentor and strengthen their leadership skills.
Why should someone join your company?
If you are looking to be at the nexus of science and technology, Atinary is the place for you. We offer a unique and meaningful work environment where you can help shape a future where AI is at the core of the R&D landscape.
The work we do has a real impact, and you’ll be part of an international and collaborative team that is transforming the R&D industry. We are proud of our team that brings together diverse expertise in software development, data science, machine learning and chemistry. We also collaborate with leading R&D groups from academia to industry across different sectors, including pharmaceuticals, biotech, cosmetics, food and energy. You will have the opportunity to work alongside pioneers in the field and contribute to a company that is creating a healthier and more sustainable future.
