Python Developer Lab Automation - Ghent

Role description You will join an early-stage MedTech startup building automated lines that combine advanced diagnostic tools, robotics, and data-driven software. You will play a key role in the full lifecycle development of scalable automation software and data pipelines for advanced diagnostic platforms, automated lab devices, test setups, and hardware control systems. You will be responsible for refactoring the experiment lab diagnostic protocols into a software product with a modular, production-ready architecture and UI. This position is in a startup environment. You should be ready for ambiguity, tight schedules, shifting priorities, rapid iteration, and wider responsibility for decisions that shape the final product-market fit. Visa: Work authorization in the EU is preferred. Visa sponsorship will be offered only to exceptional candidates. Equity: ESOP available, will be discussed individually Work arrangement: 3 days on-site, 2 days hybrid Work location: Ghent or Liege Responsibilities Contribute to continuously maintaining and upgrading software controlling R&D instruments, automated test setups, and automation workflows. Implement software development processes aligned with regulatory requirements (IEC 62304, ISO 13485) within a modern CI/CD framework. Design and optimize algorithms used for data processing, instrument control, and automation logic. Collaborate with researchers and engineers to translate experimental requirements into software features. Contribute to maintaining and evolving the internal databases. Write software documentation, including API documentation, architecture overviews, and configuration instructions. Participate in code reviews and implement automated unit/integration testing to meet strict ISO compliance. Main requirements Advanced Python (Concurrency, Asyncio, Multiprocessing, OOP) for hardware control: sensors, laboratory instruments, or embedded systems. Experience with mocking and simulating hardware for test-driven development. Familiarity with IEC 62304 and ISO 13485 medical device software standards (OR willingness to learn these standards and work in a regulated medical device environment - training will be provided). Other requirements Practical knowledge of SQL and relational database design. Proficiency in version control (Git) and collaborative development workflows (Jira/Github). Experience with modern CI/CD frameworks. Previous experience writing and maintaining technical documentation that meets production and regulatory standards. Nice to have, but not mandatory Previous experience developing software in a regulated environment (MedTech, Aerospace, Automotive, Fintech/Banking, or Industrial Automation). Knowledge of FastAPI or Django framework. Knowledge of containerization (Docker) for product deployment.