Senior Research Associate, DNA Assembly

Lila Sciences; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering company in scientific superintelligence is seeking a Senior Research Associate to enhance DNA production workflows. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in molecular biology and automation technologies, aiming to improve efficiency in lab processes. This role emphasizes collaboration within interdisciplinary teams to foster innovation and discovery in molecular biology applications.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in high-throughput DNA production or related experience, industry experience preferred.
• Ability to write technical documentation like SOPs.
• Experience in designing and optimizing DNA assembly workflows.

Responsibilities

• Run and improve workflows for DNA production and sequencing development.
• Identify and address sources of variation in production workflows.
• Integrate custom automation technologies to streamline processes.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Data analysis

Collaboration

Process improvement

Education

MSc in Molecular Biology

BSc in Biotechnology

Tools

Illumina sequencing

Laboratory automation technologies

Job description

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 are introducingscientific superintelligence to solve humankind's greatestchallenges, 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

At Lila, we are uniquely cross-functional and collaborative. We are actively reimagining the way teams work together and communicate. Therefore, we seek individuals with an inclusive mindset and a diversity of thought. Our teams thrive in unstructured and creative environments. All voices are heard because we know that experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way.

If this sounds like an environment you’d love to work in, even if you only have some of the experience listed below, please apply.

Your Impact at LilaWe are seeking a (Senior) Research Associate to join our Nucleic Acids team. This role will focus on running and continuously improving workflows, implementing process enhancements, and supporting advanced DNA production and sequencing development efforts. The ideal candidate will have hands-on expertise in molecular biology techniques, a production-oriented mindset, and experience with automation technologies. This position will work closely with the others within the Life Sciences group to ensure seamless collaboration between DNA production and a variety of experimental workflows.

• Identify and address sources of variation in high-throughput DNA production workflows to enhance efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
• Integrate and optimize custom automation technologies to streamline production processes.
• Collaborate with the members of the Nucleic Acids team and our Data Sciences and Machine Learning groups to onboard new workflows, resolve bottlenecks, and improve data systems.
• Write, implement, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for both existing and new lab processes.
• Conduct data analysis and interpretation to monitor lab processes and drive process improvements.
• Provide operational leadership within the lab, coordinating activities and ensuring smooth execution of production workflows.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• MSc in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field with 3+ years, or BSc with 5+ years, of high-throughput DNA production experience or related experience. Industry experience strongly preferred.
• Hands-on expertise in molecular biology techniques, including cloning, DNA synthesis, and sequencing.
• Experience with Illumina sequencing and library construction.
• Experience working in high-throughput production environments with a focus on scalability and efficiency.
• Familiarity with integrated laboratory automation technologies and their application in DNA production workflows.
• Proven ability to identify and resolve process inefficiencies and implement phased improvements.
• Strong data analysis skills and ability to interpret workflow performance metrics.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience in designing and optimizing DNA assembly workflows for synthetic biology applications.
• Experience with assembling high diversity DNA libraries.
• Familiarity with digital systems and data pipelines used in high-throughput environments.
• Demonstrated ability to write technical documentation, such as SOPs and validation reports.
• Knowledge of best practices for lab operations and experience mentoring team members.

Lila Sciences iscommitted 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.

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