Engineer I/II, Research Operations, LNP

Lila Sciences • Cambridge, MA

1d

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.

What This Job Offers

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