On-site First-Shift Mammalian Cell Automation Engineer I

Lilasciences; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Job summary

Lila Sciences is seeking an Engineer I to support mammalian cell-based workflows in an on-site role with either a 7:00 AM–3:00 PM or 9:00 AM–5:00 PM shift. You will merge hands-on cell culture with automation to produce materials for downstream applications and ensure high-quality, traceable results.

You will maintain cell cultures, operate automated handlers and transfection instruments, and collaborate with scientists to improve SOPs and workflows in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant Co-Op and industry laboratory experience.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience with aseptic technique, routine maintenance, passaging, cell counting, and viability assessment.
• Experience with mammalian cell transfection methods, including chemical transfection, electroporation, or related delivery technologies.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and technical instructions while maintaining accurate, complete, and traceable documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including recognizing deviations, performing initial troubleshooting, and escalating appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to 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 first shift, with scheduled hours of either 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM based on operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Execute high-throughput automated and manual workflows, including electroporation, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) dosing, and chemical transfection.
• Maintain and passage mammalian cell lines and primary cells using aseptic technique, including cell counting and viability assessment.
• Prepare workflow materials and operate automated liquid handlers, electroporation instruments, and related laboratory equipment.
• Perform downstream characterization using flow cytometry, plate reader-based assays, or imaging-based methods.
• Monitor cell health, workflow performance, and quality-control results; troubleshoot issues and elevate as needed.
• Maintain traceable records, provide clear handoffs, and partner with scientists and engineers to improve SOPs and workflows.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Laboratory automation

Flow cytometry

SOPs & documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology/BIotech/ Biochem/Cell Biology/Bioengineering

Tools

Automated liquid handlers

Electroporation instruments

Lonza Nucleofector platforms

Job description

Lila Sciences is seeking an Engineer I to support mammalian cell-based workflows in an on-site role with either a 7:00 AM–3:00 PM or 9:00 AM–5:00 PM shift. You will merge hands-on cell culture with automation to produce materials for downstream applications and ensure high-quality, traceable results.

You will maintain cell cultures, operate automated handlers and transfection instruments, and collaborate with scientists to improve SOPs and workflows in a fast-paced, high-throughput environment.