Your Impact at Lila

We are seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to support our fast-paced, AI-driven Research & Development organization. This role partners closely with scientists, lab operations, and cross-functional teams to enable the timely, compliant, and cost-effective procurement of scientific goods and services. Reporting to Corie Silverstein, this is a hands-on role ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic, research-driven environments and enjoys supporting rapidly evolving scientific programs.

What You'll Be Building

R&D Procurement & Execution

• Manage end-to-end procurement for R&D-related categories including lab consumables, reagents, equipment, and scientific software
• Daily review and approval of purchase requisitions.
• Support time-sensitive research needs by executing purchases quickly and accurately
• Serve as the primary procurement partner for assigned teams

Sourcing & Supplier Management

• Source, evaluate, and onboard scientific suppliers in alignment with procurement, quality, and compliance requirements
• Support supplier negotiations within established sourcing strategies and approval frameworks
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve delivery, quality, or pricing issues

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with scientists, lab managers, R&D operations, Finance, Legal, and Quality to understand technical requirements and timelines
• Provide guidance on compliant purchasing processes, preferred suppliers, and sourcing options
• Balance speed, cost, and risk to support evolving research priorities
• Experience supporting corporate travel or expense platforms (e.g., Ramp) in an operational or administrative capacity

Contracts, Compliance & Documentation

• Support contract review and execution in collaboration with Legal and the Procurement Manager
• Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards
• Maintain accurate records to support audits, inspections, and reporting

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve procurement workflows and tools to better support R&D teams
• Track and report key procurement metrics such as spend, cycle time, and supplier performance
• Contribute to SOPs and continuous improvement initiatives

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• 5+ years of procurement or sourcing experience, preferably supporting R&D or scientific organizations
• Experience sourcing scientific materials, equipment, and research services
• Strong negotiation, organization, and communication skills
• Experience with procurement or ERP systems (e.g., Prendio, NetSuite, Oracle)

Bonus Points For

• Experience working in high-growth, fast-paced environments
• Experience in biotech, pharma, diagnostics, or research-driven startups
• Familiarity with CRO/CDMO engagements and lab operations

About Lila

Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. We are pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building the capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method. We are introducing scientific superintelligence to solve humankind's greatest challenges, enabling scientists to bring forth solutions in human health, climate, and sustainability at a pace and scale never experienced before. Learn more about this mission at www.lila.ai

If this sounds like an environment you’d love to work in, even if you only have some of the experience listed below, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation

We expect the base salary for this role to fall between $88,000–$126,000 USD per year, along with bonus potential and generous early equity. The final offer will reflect your unique background, expertise, and impact.

We’re All In

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.

Information you provide during your application process will be handled in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Policy.

A Note to Agencies

Lila Sciences does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lila Sciences or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lila Science’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lila Sciences, and Lila Sciences will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.