Engineer I, Research Operations, (1st shift)

Lila Sciences•Cambridge, MA

13d•$75,600 - $100,800•Onsite

About The Position

Lila Sciences’ Research Operations team executes the high-throughput laboratory workflows that power our scientific platform. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Engineer I to support mammalian cell-based workflows, including electroporation, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) dosing, and chemical transfection. This is an on-site, first-shift role, with scheduled hours of either 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM based on operational needs. In this role, you will combine hands-on cell culture with laboratory automation to deliver consistent, high-quality materials for downstream applications. You will maintain mammalian cell cultures, operate automated liquid handlers and specialized instruments, monitor cell health and quality-control results, troubleshoot issues, and perform downstream characterization. You will partner with scientists and engineers to improve workflow reliability, scalability, and traceability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cell 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 mammalian cell culture experience, including aseptic technique, routine maintenance, passaging, cell counting, and viability assessment.
Experience with mammalian cell transfection methods, including chemical transfection, electroporation, or related delivery technologies.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and technical instructions while maintaining accurate, complete, and traceable documentation.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including recognizing deviations, performing initial troubleshooting, and escalating appropriately.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and execute reliably in a fast-paced, high-throughput laboratory environment.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to provide clear status updates and work effectively across teams.
Ability to work on-site during first shift, with scheduled hours of either 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM based on operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating electroporation platforms, such as the Lonza Nucleofector or similar systems.
Experience with LNP dosing or LNP-mediated delivery to mammalian cells.
Experience handling primary human cells, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), T cells, or stem cells.
Hands-on experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation, instrument operation, or data analysis.
Experience with plate reader-based or imaging-based cellular assays.
Experience operating automated liquid handlers and associated software.
Experience working in a high-throughput screening or production-oriented laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

Execute high-throughput automated and manual workflows, including electroporation, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) dosing, and chemical transfection.
Maintain and passage mammalian cell lines and primary cells using aseptic technique, including cell counting and viability assessment.
Prepare workflow materials and operate automated liquid handlers, electroporation instruments, and related laboratory equipment.
Perform downstream characterization using flow cytometry, plate reader-based assays, or imaging-based methods.
Monitor cell health, workflow performance, and quality-control results; troubleshoot issues and escalate as needed.
Maintain traceable records, provide clear handoffs, and partner with scientists and engineers to improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) and workflows.