Senior Research Associate , Automated Chemistry

Senior Research Associate , Automated Chemistry

Cambridge, MA USA

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Sr. RA/Associate Scientist to join our high‑throughput Chemistry team. In this role, you will focus on hands‑on high throughput experimentation, running automated platforms such as Chemspeed robotic chemical workstations, performing high temperature and high pressure reactions, and product screening.

You will gain hands‑on experience with state‑of‑the‑art automation technologies while contributing directly to projects that drive our company’s growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates excited to learn engineering principles, work with advanced laboratory automation, and develop a strong foundation in scientific operations in a dynamic environment.

What You'll Be Building

• Perform chemical synthesis of small molecules in an automated platform, conducting high throughput experimentation under conditions such as high temperature, high pressure, and inert environments.
• Carry out design‑build‑test DOE protocols for automated chemical synthesis.
• Develop and deploy integrated workflows and automation engineering solutions to expedite the transition from hit identification to lead optimization.
• Handle chemicals (solvents, organics), air‑sensitive materials, and rapid liquid and solid dispensing using automated techniques.
• Prepare reagents, solutions/electrolytes, samples, and consumables to ensure seamless continuation of experiments.
• Deploy engineering skills for troubleshooting instrument/automation errors, following detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and throughput.
• Monitor workflow performance, troubleshoot common issues, and escalate when necessary to ensure continuity between shifts.
• Record, organize, and maintain experimental data with high attention to detail.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and streamline processes across shift operations.
• Flag unusual features or results for scientist review.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to support diverse projects across life sciences and physical sciences.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s or MS degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical/Materials Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent laboratory experience).
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• 1 year of experience with bench‑top and wet‑lab environments in an industrial setting, performing pipetting, chemical handling, solution and sample preparation, and high temperature annealing.
• Hands‑on experience synthesizing small molecules, automation familiarity, and data handling.
• Experience working with and disposing of acids and bases, performing synthesis in fume hoods and glovebox conditions, and handling organics.
• Curiosity to learn new skills and techniques relevant to materials science.

Bonus Points For

• Additional familiarity with nanoparticles.
• Experience working in high‑throughput production environments with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Basic engineering skills for troubleshooting synthesis tools such as centrifuges, annealers, chemical handler robots, and glove boxes.
• Familiarity with automated workflows and techniques to operate and generate custom scripts.

Compensation

We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early‑stage equity. Your final offer will reflect your background, expertise, and expected impact.

U.S. Benefits. Full‑time U.S. employees receive a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer‑paid life and disability insurance; flexible time off with generous company‑wide holidays; paid parental leave; an educational assistance program; commuter benefits, including bike‑share memberships for office‑based employees; and a company subsidized lunch program.

International Benefits. Full‑time employees outside the U.S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.

-based positions; international salaries are set to local market.

Expected Base Salary Range

$80,000 - $118,000 USD

About LILA

Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges. We believe science is the most inspiring frontier for AI. Rather than hard‑coding expert knowledge into tools, LILA builds systems that can learn for themselves.

LILA combines advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments into an operating system for science that executes the entire scientific method autonomously, accelerating discovery at unprecedented speed, scale, and impact across medicine, materials, and energy. Learn more a.ai.

Lila Sciences is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.