Engineer I/II, Research Operations, LNP

Lila Sciences•Cambridge, MA

2d•$75,600 - $124,800•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a hands-on Engineer, Research Operations, LNP to operate and continuously improve high-throughput laboratory systems for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and characterization. You will own day-to-day lab operations for microfluidic and automation platforms, prep solutions and samples, run instruments, maintain high-quality data, and collaborate closely with scientists and engineers across physical sciences, chemistry, biology, and data/ML to power our AI Science Factory (AISF™).

Requirements

Education: BS in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field with 3+ years relevant experience; or MS with 1+ year. Industry experience strongly preferred.
Bioanalytical techniques: 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.
Automation and data: 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.
Lab fundamentals: Solution prep, sterile/clean technique where applicable, sample and inventory tracking, meticulous labeling, and rigorous documentation in ELN/LIMS.
Hands-on LNP and microfluidics: Experience with LNP formulations and high-throughput production using microfluidic devices/mixers; practical expertise assembling and operating flow systems (pumps, valves, manifolds, fittings, tubing).
Operations mindset: Preventive maintenance, basic mechanical aptitude, and systematic troubleshooting to maximize reliability and throughput.
Communication: Clear written and verbal communication, strong attention to detail, and a self-driven mindset for learning new skills and engaging cross-functionally.
Physical requirements: 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.

Nice To Haves

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.

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.