AI/ML Engineer - Entry Level

Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Summary

We are currently seeking an AI/ML Engineer - Entry Level. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Columbus, Ohio.

Battelle is seeking an AI/ML Engineer - Entry Level to help improve laboratory efficiency through practical AI, automation, and data solutions. Working alongside scientists, technicians, quality staff, and technology teams, this role will identify repetitive or time-consuming work and develop tools that simplify laboratory workflows, reduce manual and redundant efforts, improve data quality, and support faster, more consistent operations - while capturing data for use in 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.

Responsibilities

As an AI/ML Engineer - Entry Level, the selected individual will develop and deploy practical AI and automation solutions that enhance laboratory operations and data quality. Responsibilities may include:

• 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 both internal and client frameworks

Key Qualifications

• 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
• [INSERT TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS]
• Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa at this time.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Compensation Data

Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $71,200 - $101,400 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life

We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.

• Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
• Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
• Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
• Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
• Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
• Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
• Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers