Engineer I, Research Operations (1st shift)
About The Position
Lila Sciences’ Research Operations team executes automated laboratory workflows that power its scientific platform. The team is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Engineer I for an on-site, first-shift role scheduled from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The role operates integrated laboratory automation, prepares materials, monitors active workflows, troubleshoots issues, and supports reliable execution throughout the shift. The Engineer I applies laboratory experience while collaborating with scientists and engineers across life sciences and physical sciences on diverse research programs. It is suited to someone with a strong laboratory foundation who is ready to develop expertise in high-throughput automation, engineering principles, and science operations. The position executes automated and manual workflows, including use of integrated workcells and liquid-handling platforms; prepares and verifies reagents, samples, labware, and consumables; follows procedures and safety requirements; monitors and troubleshoots workflows; and performs routine equipment readiness and maintenance. It also includes reviewing quality-control outputs, maintaining accurate experimental and operational records, providing end-of-shift handoffs, and contributing to process improvement and cross-training. Lila Sciences builds Scientific Superintelligence™ by combining advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments to create an operating system for science intended to execute the scientific method autonomously and accelerate discovery across medicine, materials, and energy. The company emphasizes truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity, and is committed to equal employment opportunity.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific or engineering field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience.
- Minimum 3 years of relevant Co-Op and industry laboratory experience.
- Hands-on laboratory experience with core techniques, including pipetting, reagent preparation, and aseptic technique, in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Protein Science, or a related field.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standard operating procedures and technical instructions while maintaining accurate, complete, and traceable documentation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including recognizing unexpected results or workflow behavior, performing initial troubleshooting, and escalating issues appropriately.
- Ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, and execute reliably in a fast-paced, high-throughput laboratory environment.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, including providing clear status updates and working effectively across teams.
- Ability to work on-site during the scheduled first shift from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Nice To Haves
- Experience operating automated liquid handlers or integrated laboratory workcells, such as Hamilton, Lynx, Echo, or similar platforms.
- Experience in a high-throughput or production-oriented laboratory environment emphasizing quality, efficiency, scalability, and operational continuity.
- Experience reviewing and interpreting quality-control data generated by automated laboratory workflows.
- Familiarity with laboratory information management, sample-tracking, or workflow-scheduling systems.
- Experience troubleshooting laboratory automation, performing routine equipment maintenance, or contributing to process improvements.
- Experience with protein purification or characterization techniques, such as bead-based purification, CE-SDS, colorimetric assays, or biolayer interferometry.
- Hands-on experience with cell culture, DNA or RNA workflows, or lipid nanoparticle formulation and handling.
Responsibilities
- Execute high-throughput automated and manual laboratory workflows using integrated workcells and liquid-handling platforms such as Hamilton, Lynx, Echo, or similar systems.
- Prepare, organize, and verify reagents, samples, labware, and consumables needed for workflow execution.
- Follow standard operating procedures, work instructions, and safety requirements to support accurate, reproducible, and timely results.
- Monitor workflows in real time, identify equipment or process issues, perform first-line troubleshooting and recovery, and escalate complex issues when necessary.
- Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, maintenance, and readiness activities to support reliable operation of automated systems.
- Review quality-control outputs and accurately record experimental, equipment, and process data to maintain data integrity and sample traceability.
- Provide clear end-of-shift handoffs and communicate workflow status, open issues, and follow-up actions with scientists, automation engineers, and operational teams.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and cross-training efforts that strengthen workflow efficiency, robustness, scalability, and operational coverage.
Benefits
- Competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for full-time U.S. employees.
- Employer-paid life and disability insurance for full-time U.S. employees.
- Flexible time off with generous company-wide holidays.
- Paid parental leave.
- Educational assistance program.
- Commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office-based employees.
- Company-subsidized lunch program.
- Regionally tailored comprehensive benefits for full-time employees outside the U.S.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
