AI Residency Program, Material Science (2026 Cohort)
Job description
About the role
The hire will design and execute independent research projects at the intersection of artificial intelligence and materials science. They will collaborate with Lila scientists and engineers on cutting-edge, open-science initiatives that bridge academic research and industry applications. The role involves exploring domains such as ML-accelerated simulations, Bayesian methods, representation learning, generative models, agentic science, and ML-driven automation. Residents will contribute to collaborative team research and co-develop novel approaches to scientific discovery while sharing findings internally and externally. Publishing is encouraged but not required, as the focus remains on pushing the frontier of scientific discovery. The hire will have the option to focus on either fundamental or applied research within this framework. Success will be measured by the impact of their work and the advancement of scientific discovery under mentorship.
Key facts
What you'll do
Design and execute independent research projects in AI for materials science.
Collaborate with Lila scientists and engineers on cutting-edge, open-science initiatives.
Explore domains such as ML-accelerated simulations, Bayesian methods, representation learning, generative AI, agentic science, and ML-driven automation.
Contribute to collaborative team research and co-develop novel approaches to scientific discovery.
Share findings internally and externally; publications are welcome but not mandatory.
Access proprietary datasets, high-performance compute resources, and Lila's research infrastructure.
Receive mentorship from technical experts and feedback from cross-functional teams.
Drive ambitious research projects that balance academic rigor with real-world impact.
Engage with emerging challenges in AI for materials science through hands-on experimentation and analysis.
Take ownership of project direction and contribute to the broader goals of Lila Sciences.
Requirements
Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, AI/ML, Physics, Mathematics, or related field (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD).
Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch).
Experience working with large-scale datasets or simulations.
Familiarity with modern AI/ML architectures and training techniques.
Strong research background, demonstrated through publications, thesis work, or open-source projects.
Ability to work full-time in Cambridge, MA, USA during the internship period.
Commitment to contributing to open-science initiatives and collaborative research efforts.
Willingness to engage with high-impact projects that may evolve based on team priorities and discoveries.
Adherence to Lila Sciences' values of truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity in all research activities.
Nice to have
Prior work on ML applications in scientific domains (e.g., materials discovery, chemistry, simulations).
Familiarity with Bayesian optimization, active learning, or generative models.
Experience in reinforcement learning or agent-based approaches to scientific reasoning.
Open-source contributions or collaborative research experience.
Strong communication and writing skills, especially for conveying complex scientific ideas.
Practical notes
Duration: 6-12 months (extension possible).
Start Dates: First hires beginning January 2026, with rolling applications and additional intakes in Summer and Fall 2026.
Cohort Size: Small group of selected residents.
Mentorship: Pairing with technical mentors, feedback from cross-functional teams.
Resources: Access to proprietary datasets, high-performance compute, and Lila's research infrastructure.
Application Requirement: Please submit your resume alongside a research proposal (up to 3 pages, unlimited references) outlining the project you would plan to pursue during your residency at Lila Sciences. Please submit your research proposal as your cover letter. Applications without both documents will not be considered. Optional supporting materials (e.g., recommendation letters, publications, research artifacts) may also be included.
Your Impact at Lila: The Lila Sciences AI Residency is a full-time research program at the intersection of artificial intelligence and materials science. As a resident, you will join a cohort of researchers tackling open-ended scientific challenges alongside Lila's world-class team of scientists and engineers. With access to proprietary datasets, high-performance compute infrastructure, and experienced mentors, you will pursue ambitious research projects with both academic and real-world impact.
What You'll Be Building: You will design and execute independent research projects in AI for materials science, collaborate with Lila scientists and engineers on cutting-edge, open-science initiatives, explore multiple AI-driven scientific domains, contribute to team research, and share findings broadly.
What You'll Need to Succeed: You must possess a relevant advanced degree, demonstrate Python proficiency, have experience with large-scale data or simulations, be familiar with modern AI/ML methods, and show a strong research track record.
Bonus Points For: Prior scientific ML work, experience with Bayesian methods, reinforcement learning, open-source contributions, and strong scientific communication skills.
Equal Opportunity: Lila Sciences is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of personal characteristics.
Privacy and Agencies: Lila Sciences protects candidate data in accordance with its privacy policy. Unsolicited resumes from agencies are not accepted.