Characterization Scientist: XRF/EDS/WDS Method & Data

Lila Sciences; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Lila Sciences in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Scientist I/II, Characterization and Composition Analysis to join the Materials Science team. The role blends hands-on experimental work with software development to turn elemental measurements into reliable, machine-readable data.

You will work with XRF, SEM-EDS, and WDS instruments, develop methods, calibrations, and QC procedures, and write analyzer software in collaboration with AI, automation, and software teams.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with XRF, SEM-EDS, and WDS for elemental analysis.
• Proficiency in Python or equivalent for automation and data workflows.
• Ability to develop and validate methods, calibrations, and QC procedures.
• Strong experimental judgment and data-quality control.

Responsibilities

• Own data quality and integrity for elemental workflows.
• Develop XRF, EDS, and WDS methods and QC procedures.
• Prepare standards, run samples, interpret spectra, and troubleshoot measurement issues.
• Design and maintain analyzer software for spectral processing and quantification in partnership with ML team.
• Build automated data ingestion, metadata, provenance, and QC workflows.
• Collaborate with hardware, automation, AI, and software teams to scale trusted data generation.

Skills

Python programming

Data analysis

Experiment design

Cross-functional collaboration

Technical documentation

Education

PhD in Materials Science or related field

MS with hands-on characterization experience

Tools

XRF instrumentation

SEM-EDS

WDS

Spectral processing software

Job description

Lila Sciences in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Scientist I/II, Characterization and Composition Analysis to join the Materials Science team. The role blends hands-on experimental work with software development to turn elemental measurements into reliable, machine-readable data.

You will work with XRF, SEM-EDS, and WDS instruments, develop methods, calibrations, and QC procedures, and write analyzer software in collaboration with AI, automation, and software teams.