Engineer I, Research Operations (2nd Shift)

lilasciences; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous equity

Job summary

Lila Sciences is seeking an Engineer I for its on-site Research Operations team in Cambridge. You will operate automated workcells, prepare materials, monitor workflows, troubleshoot issues, and ensure reliable shift execution from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

This role builds on a strong lab foundation and expands expertise in high-throughput automation. You will collaborate with scientists and engineers across life and physical sciences to support diverse programs, maintain data integrity, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant Co-Op and industry laboratory experience.
• Hands-on lab experience with core techniques: pipetting, reagent preparation, aseptic technique.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to document accurately and traceably.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot.
• Ability to organize work and manage multiple priorities in a high-throughput setting.
• On-site second shift from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Responsibilities

• Operate integrated laboratory automation and perform workflows.
• Prepare, organize, and verify reagents, samples, labware, and consumables.
• Follow SOPs, work instructions, and safety requirements.
• Monitor workflows in real time and perform first-line troubleshooting.
• Perform routine equipment checks and maintenance to ensure reliability.
• Record data and ensure data integrity and traceability.
• Provide end-of-shift handoffs and communicate status and open issues.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and cross-training to boost efficiency.

Skills

Pipetting

Aseptic technique

Lab data management

Troubleshooting

Cross-team collaboration

Attention to detail

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology / Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Molecular Biology / Bioengineering

Tools

Hamilton

Lynx

Echo

Job description

Your Impact at LILA

Lila Sciences' Research Operations team executes the automated laboratory workflows that power our scientific platform. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Engineer I to join our high-throughput Research Operations team in an on-site, second-shift role with working hours of 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

In this role, you will operate integrated laboratory automation, prepare materials, monitor active workflows, troubleshoot issues, and help ensure reliable execution across the shift. You will apply your prior laboratory experience while collaborating with scientists and engineers across life sciences and physical sciences to support diverse research programs. This role is well suited to a candidate with a strong laboratory foundation who is ready to deepen their expertise in high-throughput automation, engineering principles, and science operations.

What You'll Be Building

• Execute high-throughput automated and manual laboratory workflows using integrated workcells and liquid-handling platforms, such as Hamilton, Lynx, Echo, or similar systems.
• Prepare, organize, and verify reagents, samples, labware, and consumables required for workflow execution.
• Follow standard operating procedures, work instructions, and safety requirements to support accurate, reproducible, and timely results.
• Monitor workflows in real time, identify equipment or process issues, perform first-line troubleshooting and recovery, and escalation complex issues when necessary.
• Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, maintenance, and readiness activities to support reliable operation of automated systems.
• Review quality-control outputs and accurately record experimental, equipment, and process data to maintain data integrity and sample traceability.
• Provide clear end-of-shift handoffs and partner with scientists, automation engineers, and operational teams to communicate workflow status, open issues, and follow-up actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and cross-training efforts that strengthen workflow efficiency, robustness, scalability, and operational coverage.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular 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 laboratory experience performing core techniques, including pipetting, reagent preparation, and aseptic technique, within Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Protein Science, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures and technical instructions while maintaining accurate, complete, and traceable documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to recognize unexpected results or workflow behavior, perform initial troubleshooting, and elevate issues appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to organize work, 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 the scheduled second shift from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Bonus Points For

• Experience operating automated liquid handlers or integrated laboratory workcells, such as Hamilton, Lynx, Echo, or similar platforms.
• Experience working in a high-throughput or production-oriented laboratory environment with emphasis on quality, efficiency, scalability, and operational continuity.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting quality-control data generated by automated laboratory workflows.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management, sample-tracking, or workflow-scheduling systems.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory automation, performing routine equipment maintenance, or contributing to process improvements.
• Experience with protein purification or characterization techniques, such as bead-based purification, CE-SDS, colorimetric assays, or biolayer interferometry.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture, DNA or RNA workflows, or lipid nanoparticle formulation and handling.

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 b