Senior Research Associate , Automated Chemistry

Your Impact at LILA

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Sr. RA/Associate Scientist to join our high-throughput Chemistry team. In this role, you will focus on hands-on high throughput experimentation, running automated platforms such as Chemspeed robotic chemical workstations, performing high temp+pressure reactions and product screening

You will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art automation technologies while contributing directly to projects that drive our company’s growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates excited to learn engineering principles, work with advanced laboratory automation, and develop a strong foundation in scientific operations in a dynamic environment.

What You'll Be Building

Perform chemical synthesis of small molecules in an automated platform conducting high throughput experimentation under conditions such as high temperature, high pressure conditions, work under inert environments

Carry out design-build-test DOE protocols for automated chemical synthesis

Develop and deploy integrated workflows and automation engineering solutions to expedite the transition from hit identification to lead optimization

Handling of chemicals (solvents, organics), air sensitive materials, rapid liquid and solid dispensing using automated techniques

Prepare reagents, solutions/electrolytes , samples, and consumables to ensure seamless continuation of experiments

Deploy engineering skills for troubleshooting instrument/automation errors, follow detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and throughput

Monitor workflow performance, troubleshoot common issues, and escalate when necessary to ensure continuity between shifts

Record, organize, and maintain experimental data with high attention to detail

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and streamline processes across shift operations

Flag unusual features or results for scientist review

Collaborate with scientists and engineers to support diverse projects across life sciences and physical sciences

What You'll Need to Succeed

Bachelor’s or MS degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical/Materials Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent laboratory experience)

Attention to detail and strong organizational skills

1 year of experience with bench top and wet lab environments in an industrial setting with high throughout performing: pipetting, chemical handling, solution and sample preparation, high temperature annealing

Hand on experience synthesizing small molecules, automation familiarity, data handling

Experience working and disposing of acids and bases, synthesis in fume hoods and glovebox conditions, and handling organics

Curiosity to learn new skills and techniques relevant to materials science

Bonus Points For

Additional familiarity with nanoparticles

Experience working in high-throughput production and factory environments with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and accuracy

Basic engineering skills for troubleshooting synthesis tools such as centrifuge, annealers, chemical handler robots, glove box

Familiarity with automated workflows and techniques to operate and generate custom scripts

Compensation

We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity. Your final offer will reflect your background, expertise, and expected impact.

U.S. Benefits. Full-time U.S. employees receive a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; flexible time off with generous company wide holidays; paid parental leave; an educational assistance program; commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office based employees; and a company subsidized lunch program.

International Benefits. Full-time employees outside the U.S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.-based positions; international salaries are set to local market.

Expected Base Salary Range

$80,000 $118,000 USD

About LILA

Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges. We believe science is the most inspiring frontier for AI. Rather than hard-coding expert knowledge into tools, LILA builds systems that can learn for themselves.

LILA combines advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments into an operating system for science that executes the entire scientific method autonomously, accelerating discovery at unprecedented speed, scale, and impact across medicine, materials, and energy. Learn more at www.lila.ai.

Guided by our core values of truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity, we move with startup speed while tackling problems of historic importance. If this sounds like an environment you'd love to work in, even if you don't meet every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.

We’re All In

Lila Sciences is committed…