Autonomous Science Lead New York · San Francisco →

Mecka; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecka AI is hiring an Autonomous Science Lead to ensure automated laboratory work is scientifically valid and reliable. You will lead experimental methods and scientific operations, combining hands‑on bench work with AI, robotics and automation expertise.

You’ll work directly with instruments, protocols and results, establishing sound methods, troubleshooting problems, and turning promising workflows into dependable operations for scalable deployment.

Qualifications

• Substantial hands‑on experimental work with ownership of methods, controls and reproducibility.
• Experience running automated laboratory operations, including instruments, staffing and quality procedures.
• Practical experience with AI and robotics in laboratory automation or experimental systems.

Responsibilities

• Own experimental methods: select and adapt protocols, design controls and define acceptance criteria.
• Develop automated workflows: assess instruments and automation with engineering specialists.
• Establish scientific validity: evaluate results, investigate variability and separate execution issues from scientific failures.
• Lead laboratory operations: plan staffing, equipment, materials and operating requirements; establish training and procedures.
• Troubleshoot hands‑on: diagnose bench issues across instruments, hardware and software; coordinate fixes and verify effects.
• Improve operating performance: assess reproducibility, throughput, cost; identify ready-to-use methods.

Skills

Experimental methods

Automation workflows

Laboratory operations

AI in labs

Benchwork

Tools

Instruments

Lab automation

Job description

About Mecka AI

Mecka AI is building the data infrastructure layer for robotics and embodied AI.
We design and operate global systems for data capture, data labeling, and hardware-enabled workflows used by leading AI labs and robotics companies to train and validate humanoid and embodied AI systems.
We work closely with frontier robotics teams to bridge real-world data, simulation, learning-based systems, and deployed hardware.

The Role

We’re hiring an Autonomous Science Lead to make automated laboratory work scientifically valid and reliable. You’ll lead experimental methods and scientific operations, combining hands‑on laboratory experience with an understanding of AI, robotics and automation.

You’ll work directly with instruments, protocols and experimental results, alongside scientists and engineering specialists. The role requires someone who can establish sound scientific methods, troubleshoot practical problems and turn promising workflows into dependable operations.

What you will be doing:

• Own experimental methods. Select and adapt protocols, design controls and define scientific acceptance criteria.

• Develop automated workflows. Assess and qualify instruments, labware and automation with engineering specialists.

• Establish scientific validity. Evaluate results, investigate variability and distinguish execution problems from scientific failures.

• Lead laboratory operations. Plan staffing, equipment, materials and operating requirements. Establish training, documentation and safe working procedures.

• Troubleshoot hands‑on. Diagnose problems at the bench and across instruments, hardware and software. Coordinate technical fixes and verify their effects.

• Improve operating performance. Assess reproducibility, throughput, manual effort and cost. Identify which methods are ready for routine use and where further development is needed.

What you bring:

• Substantial hands‑on experimental work, with ownership of methods, controls, reproducibility and interpretation.

• Experience running automated laboratory operations, including instruments, resources, staffing and quality procedures.

• Practical experience with AI and robotics in laboratory automation or experimental systems.

• Working knowledge of reinforcement learning and model evaluation, sufficient to contribute to scientifically meaningful tasks and assessments.

• Ability to work directly at the bench and with instruments, and translate scientific requirements into specifications for engineers.

Even better if you have:

• Experience building RL environments, robotic benchmarks or model‑evaluation tools.

• Scientific leadership in a contract research organisation, research core or shared instrumentation facility.

• Improving experimental reliability, turnaround or cost across different operators, instruments or operating conditions.

Inclusive Hiring at Mecka

We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive candidate experience. Should you require any accommodation whatsoever during the interview process, please inform us without any hesitation. Mecka is dedicated to ensuring equal treatment and opportunity in all phases of recruitment, selection, and employment, in compliance with employment law. We do not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other protected category. Mecka is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, fostering a culture of inclusivity and maintaining a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Mecka uses artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly to support administrative and efficiency-focused aspects of our recruitment process. This includes activities such as drafting job descriptions, generating interview questions, note‑taking and recordings, and supporting sourcing and scheduling workflows. All candidate evaluations, interviews, and hiring decisions are made by members of the Mecka team. While AI tools may assist with screening and assessment, they do not replace human judgment in selection decisions. Our use of AI is intended to streamline routine tasks, improve consistency, and enhance the overall candidate experience. We are committed to upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in all hiring activities. Mecka regularly reviews its recruitment practices to mitigate bias and to ensure alignment with applicable laws and evolving best practices.