About the job
Your Contribution at Lila Sciences
Lila Sciences is actively seeking a dedicated (Senior) Research Associate to become an integral part of our dynamic Life Sciences team. This pivotal role will be centered around the formulation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), their functionalization with targeting ligands, and the characterization of the resulting targeted LNPs (tLNPs). The ideal candidate will possess substantial hands-on experience in LNP formulation and characterization, bioconjugation, protein characterization, and automation technologies. Your expertise will significantly enhance our understanding of the delivery space, enabling a high-throughput closed-loop screening cascade for tLNPs. You will work collaboratively with professionals across protein, cell biology, automation, chemistry, machine learning, and data science teams to establish advanced tools for targeted nucleic acid delivery.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Design, execute, and characterize LNP formulations utilizing various scales and mixing modalities (e.g., DLS, ribogreen, TNS).
- Develop and optimize high-throughput ligand conjugation and purification methodologies, leveraging automation and robotics to maximize throughput.
- Collaborate with cell assay and antibody experts to screen candidates across diverse tissue targets in in vivo models.
- Engage with chemists, biologists, engineers, and data scientists to document processes, share insights, and refine best practices in autonomous flow chemistry.
- Create, implement, and uphold Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for both existing and emerging lab processes.
Your Qualifications for Success
- MSc in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related field with 3+ years of hands-on experience in targeted LNP production or a BSc with 5+ years of relevant experience. Industry experience is highly desirable.
- Strong proficiency in bioanalytical techniques (e.g., DLS, fluorescence spectroscopy, electrophoresis, in vitro assays).
- Experience in protein and antibody design and characterization.
- Familiarity with automation and high-throughput workflows is preferred.
- Exceptional troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams.
About Lila Sciences
Lila Sciences is at the forefront of innovation as the world's first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous laboratory focused on life sciences, chemistry, and materials science. We are pioneering a new era of limitless discovery by harnessing AI capabilities to enhance every facet of the scientific method. Our mission is to leverage scientific superintelligence to address humanity's most pressing challenges.

