Co-Op, Characterization Electrodeposited Material

Lila Sciences • Cambridge, MA

13d

About The Position

Lila Sciences is hiring a co-op to join the Materials Science team within its Autonomous Science Platform. The role focuses on characterizing electrodeposited metal films and developing repeatable measurement methods. Deposition is performed by other scientists; this co-op focuses on measurement, method development, and data quality.

The work includes electrical, surface, structural, and mechanical characterization using techniques such as four-point probe, laser confocal metrology, XRD, EBSD, and hardness testing. The co-op will develop sample preparation procedures, instrument acquisition settings, and acceptance criteria to ensure consistent results across operators and sample batches. The position is based in a laboratory designed for high-throughput, automated experimentation, and the developed protocols will contribute to scaling these measurements.

Requirements

• Pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience operating materials characterization instruments in a laboratory.
• Hands-on experience with hardness testing, such as micro- or nano-indentation, or other methods.
• Hands-on experience with metallographic or SEM sample preparation.
• Experience analyzing XRD data.
• Working knowledge of thin films, metal microstructure, or surface metrology.
• Careful experimental technique and detailed record keeping.
• Availability for the full Spring co-op term, January through May.

Nice To Haves

• Master's or PhD candidate.
• Python for data analysis and visualization.
• Experience analyzing EBSD data, such as with MTEX, OIM, or AZtec Crystal.
• Hands-on SEM and/or FIB experience.
• Direct experience with four-point probe, optical profilometry, or laser confocal systems.
• Familiarity with electrodeposited metals or electrochemical materials processing.
• Experience developing or qualifying a new measurement method, such as gauge R&R.
• Exposure to automated or high-throughput laboratory workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop sample preparation and measurement protocols for electrodeposited films using four-point probe, hardness testing, and SEM/EBSD.
• Prepare samples for SEM and EBSD, including mounting, polishing, and surface cleanup.
• Perform four-point probe, laser confocal metrology, and hardness measurements.
• Analyze XRD data, including phase identification, texture, peak shift, and crystallite size.
• Analyze EBSD data, including grain size, orientation, and texture.
• Validate measurement repeatability and establish data quality criteria.
• Analyze and visualize characterization data.
• Document methods and failure modes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed