Scientist I / II, Robotics
As a Robotics Scientist at Lila Sciences, you will lead the development of autonomous robotic systems that form the intelligent physical infrastructure of our scientific superintelligence platform. Your work will involve creating novel algorithms and deploying intelligent robotic solutions that interact seamlessly with human scientists and complex laboratory environments. This role is pivotal in enabling fully autonomous workflows for scientific discovery by integrating cutting-edge robotics, machine learning, and systems engineering.
Key responsibilities include designing and developing autonomous robotic systems for transport and workcell operations, integrating advanced path planning, navigation, and motion planning algorithms. You will build production-grade mobile manipulation platforms leveraging ROS/ROS2 and modular robotic architectures. Advancing robotic perception by integrating sensing modalities such as 3D vision, LIDAR, and tactile sensors to enable robust, adaptable task execution is also a critical aspect of this role. Additionally, you will use simulation environments to model, test, and optimize task planning, scheduling, and robot behaviors in diverse lab scenarios, collaborating with AI, mechanical, and software engineering teams to translate theoretical robotics research into real-world autonomous systems.
The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or have equivalent research experience. Expertise in motion planning, path planning, and navigation for manipulation and mobile robotics is essential. Proficiency with ROS/ROS2, C++, and Python, along with hands-on experience building robotic systems in real-world environments, is required. A deep understanding of perception systems and sensor integration, including cameras, LIDAR, and tactile sensors, is also necessary. Proven ability to take robotic systems from concept through to deployment is highly valued.
We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity. Full-time U.S. employees receive a comprehensive benefits program, including 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-subsidized lunch program.
Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges. We believe science is the most inspiring frontier for AI. Rather than hard-coding expert knowledge into tools, LILA builds systems that can learn for themselves. LILA combines advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments into an operating system for science that executes the entire scientific method autonomously, accelerating discovery at unprecedented speed, scale, and impact across medicine, materials, and energy. Guided by our core values of truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity, we move with startup speed while tackling problems of historic importance.