Lila Sciences · 4 hours ago
Engineer I/II, Research Operations, LNP
Cambridge, MA USA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$76K/yr - $125K/yr
3+ years expLila Sciences is pioneering a new age of boundless discovery through their scientific superintelligence platform. They are seeking a hands-on Engineer for Research Operations in LNP to operate and improve high-throughput laboratory systems focused on lipid nanoparticle formulation and characterization, while collaborating closely with various scientific disciplines.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Foundational AILife ScienceSoftware
Responsibilities
Operate and maintain automated lab equipment (microfluidic mixers, syringe/gear pumps, valves, liquid handlers, robotics) to synthesize LNPs with a focus on high-throughput screening and data integrity
Prepare lipid stocks, buffers, and nucleic acid payloads; execute designed experiments/DOE to select, optimize, and scale promising formulations
Develop and run downstream characterization assays for nucleic acid therapeutics, including DLS, fluorescence-based assays (e.g., RiboGreen, TNS), UV–Vis/plate reader methods, electrophoresis/gel-based methods, and encapsulation efficiency measurements
Own daily lab operations—setup/teardown of microfluidic and flow systems, tubing/rack organization, consumables and inventory management, and root-cause troubleshooting of device testing setups
Write, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); document workflows, instrument settings, and metadata in ELN/LIMS to ensure traceable, high-quality datasets
Calibrate instruments, schedule and perform routine PMs, coordinate vendors, and implement fixes to improve reliability, uptime, and safety
Collaborate with chemists, materials scientists, bioengineers, automation engineers, and data scientists to document systems, share insights, and refine best practices in autonomous flow chemistry and integrated analytics
Execute and improve automated high-throughput experimentation workflows spanning microfluidic platforms and robotics; contribute fixtures/jigs and lightweight prototypes (e.g., 3D printing) to stabilize and standardize setups
Provide clear feedback on testing workflows and observations to improve quality, reliability, throughput, and ease-of-use within the lab
Uphold EHS best practices for handling chemicals/solvents and biological materials; maintain compliance, PPE adherence, and proper waste management
Qualification
Required
BS in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field with 3+ years relevant experience; or MS with 1+ year
Working knowledge of DLS, fluorescence spectroscopy (e.g., RiboGreen, TNS), plate readers/UV–Vis, electrophoresis, and basic in vitro release/encapsulation assays; ability to validate results and recognize artifacts
Experience with automated workflows (liquid handlers, robotics) and instrument software; comfort with data capture/analysis in Excel and scripting tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB) to QC, visualize, and interpret results for iteration
Solution prep, sterile/clean technique where applicable, sample and inventory tracking, meticulous labeling, and rigorous documentation in ELN/LIMS
Experience with LNP formulations and high-throughput production using microfluidic devices/mixers; practical expertise assembling and operating flow systems (pumps, valves, manifolds, fittings, tubing)
Preventive maintenance, basic mechanical aptitude, and systematic troubleshooting to maximize reliability and throughput
Clear written and verbal communication, strong attention to detail, and a self-driven mindset for learning new skills and engaging cross-functionally
Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, perform fine-motor tasks, and work with chemicals/solvents and equipment following PPE and safety procedures
Preferred
Experience with scale-up considerations for nanoparticle manufacturing and tech transfer from microfluidics to pilot-scale equipment
Work with targeted nanoparticles (e.g., antibody/ligand decoration, linker chemistries) and delivery systems beyond standard LNPs
Building/improving automated lab routines (e.g., liquid handlers, scheduling, device APIs), plus familiarity with digital systems and data pipelines used in high-throughput environments
Additional characterization: plate-based analytics, HPLC/UPLC, UV–Vis, optical microscopy; exposure to electron microscopy for nanoparticle morphology
Workflow optimization: authoring SOPs, documentation control, instrument troubleshooting, and continuous improvement for manual and automated workflows
Prototyping and light engineering: fixtures/jigs, 3D printing (FDM/SLA), pumps/valves, and basic mechanical/EE tools to stabilize and standardize lab setups
Benefits
Bonus potential
Generous early equity
Company
Lila Sciences
Lila Sciences creates a scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous labs for life sciences, chemistry, and materials science. It is a sub-organization of Flagship Pioneering.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Lila Sciences has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (8)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$550.67MKey Investors
ARIANVenturesFlagship Pioneering
2026-01-20Grant· $0.67M
2025-10-14Series A· $115M
2025-09-14Series A· $235M
Recent News
MIT Technology Review
2026-01-22
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2025-12-17
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