Senior Research Associate , Automated Chemistry

lilasciences

Cambridge, MA USA · Cambridge

Posted Jun 1, 2026

Full-time
Autonomous Science Platform

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Job description

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 to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Information you provide during your application process will be handled in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Policy.

A Note to Agencies

Lila Sciences does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lila Sciences or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lila Science’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lila Sciences, and Lila Sciences will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.