The entire research department relies on mining. And the reliance on Research could be solved by just giving them science access.
The only equipment they're qualified to distribute are mechs, borgs, bionics, the like
WHY? Doesn't that literally defeat the entire purpose of Scientist as an actual job?
So you're moving the problem of Scientists being bored of the minigame to Roboticists who are equally uninterested to do said minigame,
because they picked roboticist SPECIFICALLY to avoid it and build mechs instead.
...this just shoves them out of their job scope. They're supposed to mostly focus on mechs, bionics, synths, the like. They aren't supposed to be researching.
Scientists get a tightening on focus...on what, exactly? This just encourages to make weapons and bombs to their heart's content,
since all responsibility to make important things are now shoved to the Roboticist.
This basically tips the balance ALL to the roboticist's side, further exaggerating the problem you're trying to solve.
Speaking of which, the mapping changes are questionable at best.
Replacing about 1/5 of the entire department with a break room (containing an oven, for some reason) AND smoking room (which has no place to be there), shoving Science's actual equipment to the wayside.