Senior Characterization Scientist (SEM, XRD & Microscopy)

Lila Sciences; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base compensation with bon

Equity (early-stage)

Comprehensive U.S. benefits

Job summary

Lila Sciences is seeking a Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Characterization in Cambridge, MA to maintain and improve characterization workflows supporting active materials research campaigns.

The role focuses on running SEM, optical microscopy, and XRD, preparing samples, and documenting methods while collaborating with scientists, engineers, and platform teams to deliver high-quality data.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or related field.
• 2 to 5 years of hands-on lab experience in materials characterization.
• Experience operating SEM, optical microscopy, XRD, or similar tools.
• Strong sample preparation, measurement planning, and documentation skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot instruments, workflows, and data-quality issues.
• Comfort following SOPs while improving protocols as methods mature.
• Strong communication with scientists, engineers, and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Operate SEM, optical microscopy, XRD, and related characterization workflows.
• Prepare samples and measurement plans for routine characterization requests.
• Maintain instrument readiness through checks, calibration, documentation, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and refine protocols for new tools, methods, and sample types.
• Deliver high-quality measurement data with clear records and traceable methods.
• Identify workflow bottlenecks and improve throughput, reliability, and data quality.
• Partner with Materials Science, platform, and operations teams on campaign needs.

Skills

SEM operation

Optical microscopy

XRD

Sample prep

Experiment documentation

Troubleshooting

SOP adherence

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or related field

Job description

Lila Sciences is seeking a Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Characterization in Cambridge, MA to maintain and improve characterization workflows supporting active materials research campaigns.

The role focuses on running SEM, optical microscopy, and XRD, preparing samples, and documenting methods while collaborating with scientists, engineers, and platform teams to deliver high-quality data.