Scientist I / II, Robotics

Location: Cambridge, MA USA

Department: Autonomous Science Platform

About Lila

Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science.  We are pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building the capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method.  We are introducing scientific superintelligence to solve humankind's greatest challenges, enabling scientists to bring forth solutions in human health, climate, and sustainability at a pace and scale never experienced before. Learn more about this mission at  www.lila.ai

If this sounds like an environment you’d love to work in, even if you only have some of the experience listed below, we encourage you to apply.

Your Impact at Lila

As a Robotics Scientist at Lila, you will lead the research and development of autonomous robotic systems that serve as the intelligent physical infrastructure of our scientific superintelligence platform. You’ll develop novel algorithms and deploy intelligent robotic solutions that interact seamlessly with human scientists and complex lab environments. Your work will accelerate our mission by enabling fully autonomous workflows for scientific discovery, combining cutting-edge robotics, machine learning, and systems engineering.

What You'll Be Building

• Design and develop autonomous robotic systems for transport and workcell operations, integrating advanced path planning, navigation, and motion planning algorithms
• Build production-grade mobile manipulation platforms leveraging ROS/ROS2 and modular robotic architectures
• Advance robotic perception by integrating sensing modalities such as 3D vision, LIDAR, and tactile sensors to enable robust, adaptable task execution
• Use simulation environments to model, test, and optimize task planning, scheduling, and robot behaviors in diverse lab scenarios
• Collaborate with AI, mechanical, and software engineering teams to translate theoretical robotics research into real-world autonomous systems

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent research experience
• Expertise in motion planning, path planning, and navigation for manipulation and mobile robotics
• Proficiency with ROS/ROS2, C++, and Python, with hands-on experience building robotic systems in real-world environments
• Deep understanding of perception systems and sensor integration (e.g., camera, LIDAR, tactile sensors)
• Proven ability to take robotic systems from concept through to deployment

Bonus Points For

• Experience with dual-arm mobile manipulation systems or other high-DOF robotic platforms
• Familiarity with simulation tools such as Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or PyBullet
• Background in machine learning for perception, control, or adaptive planning
• Experience with real-time decision-making in human-robot collaboration scenarios
• Strong publication or patent record in robotics, autonomy, or perception

We’re All In

Lila Sciences is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

A Note to Agencies

Lila Sciences does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lila Sciences or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lila Science’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lila Sciences, and Lila Sciences will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.