Co-Op, Targeted Non-Viral Delivery

Lila Sciences • Cambridge, MA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Lila Sciences is seeking a co-op to help build its automated non-viral delivery platform, with a focus on improving an automated system for producing and characterizing targeted lipid nanoparticles (tLNPs). The role involves producing tLNPs for ongoing experiments, developing conjugation and purification methods, and applying those methods on an automated system.

The co-op will work alongside chemists, biologists, automation engineers, and data scientists, gaining hands-on experience in both bench science and automated laboratory systems. The position is onsite at Alewife and requires availability for the full January co-op term.

Requirements

• Pursuing a BSc or MSc in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on wet-lab experience and comfort following detailed SOPs.
• Data analysis skills and the ability to interpret results and iterate on experimental design.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including ELN documentation.
• Available for the full January co-op term and able to work onsite at Alewife.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with lipid nanoparticle formulation, microfluidics, or other drug delivery systems.
• Familiarity with automated systems or high-throughput screening platforms.
• Familiarity with protein characterization methods.
• Working knowledge of bioanalytical techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy and electrophoresis.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and characterize targeted lipid nanoparticles on an automated microfluidic workcell.
• Run high-throughput screens of ionizable lipids and targeting ligands.
• Perform downstream characterization assays, including DLS, RiboGreen, and TNS.
• Onboard new workflows and experiment types onto the workcell.
• Test and document changes that increase screening throughput.
• Record methods, results, and observations in the ELN for reuse across teams.
• Produce tLNPs to support ongoing experiments.
• Develop conjugation and purification methods for tLNPs and apply them on the automated system.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern