Automated Lab Operations Shift Lead

Lila Sciences; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 119,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

Lila Sciences is seeking a Shift Supervisor for an on-site 2:00 PM–10:00 PM shift in Cambridge, Massachusetts. You will own automated lab workflow execution, lead engineers on shift, and coach a team of Research Operations engineers to ensure high-quality run performance.

You will collaborate across scientific, engineering, and automation teams to troubleshoot, improve operations, and validate processes for tech transfer. Prior leadership and hands-on lab automation experience are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in lab automation or high-throughput environments.
• Experience managing direct reports in technical settings.
• Experience operating automated liquid handling platforms in production/research.
• Experience leading and coordinating workflow execution with engineers.
• Strong foundation in assay design and interpretation.
• Experience identifying operational issues and driving resolution.
• Excellent written/spoken communication across teams.

Responsibilities

• Own safe, reliable execution of automated lab workflows across your shift.
• Serve as technical lead for engineers on shift with real-time guidance and coordination.
• Manage, coach, and develop direct reports with clear expectations and feedback.
• Monitor run performance and system health; resolve common issues and escalate complex ones.
• Maintain accurate shift handoff documentation for seamless continuity.
• Flag QC/QA deviations with detailed observations.
• Collaborate with scientific, engineering, and automation teams to improve operations.
• Support tech transfer by validating workflows and addressing gaps.

Skills

Lab automation

People management

Automation platforms

Workflow coordination

Scientific knowledge

Root-cause analysis

Clear communication

Education

Biology/Chemistry/Engineering/ Biotechnology degree

Tools

Hamilton

Lynx

Echo

Job description

Lila Sciences is seeking a Shift Supervisor for an on-site 2:00 PM–10:00 PM shift in Cambridge, Massachusetts. You will own automated lab workflow execution, lead engineers on shift, and coach a team of Research Operations engineers to ensure high-quality run performance.

You will collaborate across scientific, engineering, and automation teams to troubleshoot, improve operations, and validate processes for tech transfer. Prior leadership and hands-on lab automation experience are essential.