Your Impact at Lila

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™).

What You'll Be Building

• 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 You’ll Need to Succeed

• 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.

Bonus Points For

• 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.

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 $75,600–$124,800 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.