Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Targeted LNP Delivery
Lila Sciences is seeking a Senior Research Associate or Associate Scientist to join its Life Sciences team in Cambridge, MA. This role focuses on formulating lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), functionalizing them with targeting ligands, and characterizing the resulting targeted LNPs (tLNPs). The position offers an opportunity to contribute to high-throughput screening cascades for tLNPs, collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams to advance targeted nucleic acid delivery technologies.
Key responsibilities include designing, executing, and characterizing LNP formulations across various scales and mixing modalities. The role involves developing and refining high-throughput ligand conjugation and purification methods, utilizing automation and robotics to enhance throughput. Additionally, the candidate will collaborate with specialists to screen hits across diverse tissue targets in in vivo models and work with cross-functional teams to document systems, share insights, and refine best practices in autonomous flow chemistry. Maintaining and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for both existing and new lab processes is also essential.
The ideal candidate holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with at least 3 years of hands-on experience in targeted LNP production, or a BSc with 5+ years of relevant experience. Industry experience is strongly preferred. A strong working knowledge of bioanalytical techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), fluorescence spectroscopy, electrophoresis, and in vitro assays is required. Experience with protein and antibody design and characterization, familiarity with automation and high-throughput workflows, and excellent troubleshooting, communication, and collaboration skills are also necessary.
Lila Sciences offers competitive compensation, including bonus potential and generous early equity. The expected base salary range for this position is $80,000 to $118,000 USD. The final offer will reflect the candidate's unique background, expertise, and impact.
Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. The company is pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method. Lila Sciences aims to solve humankind's greatest challenges, enabling scientists to bring forth solutions in human health, climate, and sustainability at an unprecedented pace and scale.