Senior Research Associate, Automated Chemistry

About the role

At Lila Sciences, the Sr. RA/Associate Scientist, Automated Chemistry plays a critical role in advancing high-throughput chemical discovery. This position is responsible for owning the execution of experiments on automated platforms, directly translating scientific objectives into reliable, high-quality data. You will operate Chemspeed robotic chemical workstations and manage demanding reaction conditions, including high temperature and high pressure processes, all while maintaining strict control over inert environments. This role provides hands-on immersion in advanced automation technologies, requiring you to translate experimental goals into robust protocols and ensure seamless execution. Your work will drive hit-to-lead timelines, support cross-project collaboration, and build your expertise in scientific operations and automation troubleshooting. You will be instrumental in maintaining continuity across experimental shifts by documenting results, flagging unusual findings for scientist review, and ensuring that the workflow remains efficient and reproducible.

What you'll do

• Perform chemical synthesis of small molecules on automated platforms under high temperature and high pressure conditions while working under inert environments.
• Carry out design-build-test DOE protocols that link experimental outcomes to automated chemical synthesis decisions.
• Develop and deploy integrated workflows and automation engineering solutions to shorten the path from hit identification to lead optimization.
• Handle chemicals including solvents and organics, air sensitive materials, and execute rapid liquid and solid dispensing using automated techniques.
• Prepare reagents, solutions, electrolytes, samples, and consumables to guarantee uninterrupted experimental continuity.
• Deploy engineering skills to troubleshoot instrument and automation errors while adhering to detailed SOPs for accuracy, reproducibility, and throughput.
• Monitor workflow performance, troubleshoot common issues, and escalate appropriately to maintain continuity between shifts.
• Record, organize, and maintain experimental data with rigorous attention to detail and traceability.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and streamline processes across shift operations and handoffs.
• Flag unusual features or results promptly for scientist review and collaborative decision making.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to support diverse projects spanning life sciences and physical sciences.
• Champion best practices for chemical handling, disposal, and safety within automated platforms and shared lab spaces.
• Translate experimental requirements into precise automation recipes and parameter sets for reliable execution.
• Support knowledge transfer and documentation to enable scalable and reproducible high throughput operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or MS degree in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical/Materials Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent laboratory experience.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills with the ability to manage concurrent experimental tracks.
• More than 1 year of experience with bench top and wet lab environments in an industrial setting focused on high throughput performing pipetting, chemical handling, solution and sample preparation, and high temperature annealing.
• Hands on experience synthesizing small molecules, familiarity with automation tools, and competence in data handling.
• Experience working with and disposing of acids and bases, conducting synthesis in fume hoods and glovebox conditions, and handling organics.
• Curiosity to learn new skills and techniques relevant to materials science and automation technologies.
• Ability to follow detailed standard operating procedures and maintain strict data integrity.
• Willingness to work in a regulated environment where documentation, traceability, and compliance are essential.

Nice to have

• Additional familiarity with nanoparticles.
• Experience working in high throughput production and factory environments with a focus on scalability, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Basic engineering skills for troubleshooting synthesis tools such as centrifuge, annealers, chemical handler robots, and glove box.
• Familiarity with automated workflows and techniques to operate and generate custom scripts.

Compensation & benefits

Compensation details were not provided in the source material. U.S. benefits for full-time employees include a comprehensive program covering medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; flexible time off with generous company-wide holidays; paid parental leave; an educational assistance program; commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office-based employees; and a company-subidized lunch program. International employees outside the U.S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region.