XRD Scientist I/II – Materials Characterization

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Life and disability insurance

Flexible time off

Parental leave

Educational assistance

Commuter benefits

Lunch program

Job summary

Lila Sciences seeks a Scientist I/II, X-ray Diffraction Characterization to join the Materials Science team within the Autonomous Science Platform. The role turns XRD measurements into trusted, machine-readable structural and phase data that support automated workflows and model development.

You will develop PXRD, XRR, GIXRD methods, prepare samples, run measurements, interpret data, troubleshoot issues, and build scalable workflows that ensure data quality and reproducibility across projects.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with hands-on XRD characterization experience.
• Hands-on experience with PXRD and related workflows.
• Understanding of diffraction principles, phase identification, microstructure analysis, and common measurement errors.
• Experience validating methods, interpreting data, and troubleshooting instrument/workflow issues.
• XRD analysis software, scripting for data processing, and data quality control.

Responsibilities

• Develop PXRD, XRR, GIXRD, and related XRD characterization methods.
• Operate XRD workflows for materials discovery and commercial project support.
• Prepare samples for XRD measurement, run measurements, interpret data, and troubleshoot issues.
• Define calibration, validation, QC, and reproducibility standards for XRD workflows.
• Build structured, traceable data outputs for downstream analysis and modeling.
• Partner with AI, software, automation, and experimental teams on analyzer workflows.
• Maintain instrument readiness through SOPs, documentation, and troubleshooting.
• Translate project needs into fit-for-purpose XRD methods and analysis plans.

Skills

XRD methods & theory

Sample preparation for XRD

Data processing & scripting (Python)

XRD data analysis software

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication across teams

Education

PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering, or related field

MS with hands-on characterization experience

Tools

PXRD

XRR

GIXRD

SOPs & QC systems

Job description

Lila Sciences seeks a Scientist I/II, X-ray Diffraction Characterization to join the Materials Science team within the Autonomous Science Platform. The role turns XRD measurements into trusted, machine-readable structural and phase data that support automated workflows and model development.

You will develop PXRD, XRR, GIXRD methods, prepare samples, run measurements, interpret data, troubleshoot issues, and build scalable workflows that ensure data quality and reproducibility across projects.