Scientific Lab Operator

Lila Sciences; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,667; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering scientific R&D company is seeking hands-on Scientific Lab Operators to support diverse materials science experiments. The role involves operating lab equipment, troubleshooting processes, and collaborating with other scientists. Candidates should hold a degree in a relevant field and possess strong lab experience. The salary range is between $52,000 – $74,667 USD annually, with additional bonuses and equity options available.

Qualifications

• Must have hands-on lab experience from coursework or prior roles.
• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemistry, or related fields is required.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Operate automated lab equipment and collaborate with scientific teams.
• Handle daily lab operations including setup and troubleshooting.
• Log test observations impacting data.

Skills

Hands-on lab experience

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Self-driving mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree or technical diploma in a related field

Tools

Electrochemistry techniques

Python

MATLAB

Excel

Job description

Your Impact at Lila

We are expanding our R&D and testing capabilities and seeking hands‑on Scientific Lab Operators to support materials science experiments across electrochemistry, materials characterization, and synthesis. You will prepare solutions and samples, run instruments, maintain high‑quality data, and collaborate closely with scientists and engineers within a laboratory setting.

What You’ll Be Building

• Operate automated lab equipment and collaborate with teams across electrochemistry, surface characterization, and synthesis.
• Own daily lab operations—setup, teardown, material organization, and troubleshooting of novel and fundamental device testing setups.
• Execute designed protocols, monitor tests, and log observations that can impact data.
• Provide feedback to scientists and engineers on testing workflows and observations to improve quality, reliability, and efficiency within the lab space.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Education: Bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or technical diploma in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, or related field.
• Lab fundamentals: Hands‑on lab experience from coursework, internships, co‑ops, or previous roles handling solid‑state and liquid materials.
• Equipment operation: Experience with or willingness to learn techniques within electrochemistry, characterization, or synthesis methods.
• Physical requirements: Stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs, perform fine motor tasks. Work with chemicals, solvents, and equipment following PPE and safety procedures.
• Communication: Clear written and verbal skills; strong attention to detail and workflow optimization; self‑driving mindset for learning new skills and engaging in discussions.

Bonus Points For

• Specialized experience with potentiostats, materials characterization (SEM/XRD/XRF), profilometry, optical microscopy, 3D printing, vacuum synthesis methods, thin films, and membranes.
• Workflow optimization: Documentation design and control of processes relevant to R&D, troubleshooting instruments, and implementing improvements for manual and automated workflows.
• Computer literacy: Instrument software, coding experience (Python, MATLAB, and other data analysis tools), Excel for data tracking, and communication tools.
• Engineering: Prototyping, 3D printing (FDM/SLA), pumps, valves, and basic engineering tools.

About Lila

Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. We are pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building the capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method. We introduce scientific superintelligence to solve humankind’s greatest challenges, enabling scientists to bring forth solutions in human health, climate, and sustainability at a pace and scale never experienced before. Learn more about this mission at www.lila.ai.

Compensation

We expect the base salary for this role to fall between $52,000 – $74,667 USD per year, along with bonus potential and generous early equity. The final offer will reflect your unique background, expertise, and impact.

We’re All In

Lila Sciences is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

A Note to Agencies

Lila Sciences does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lila Sciences or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lila Science’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lila Sciences, and Lila Sciences will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.