Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Chemical Synthesis

Location: Cambridge, MA USA

Department: Autonomous Science Platform

Your Impact at Lila

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist to join our high-throughput autonomous chemistry team. This is a hands-on role at the intersection of organic and inorganic synthesis, advanced characterization, and laboratory automation. You will design and execute high-throughput experiments, synthesize small molecules, and perform rigorous downstream analysis while working side-by-side with senior scientists to translate ambitious product goals into scalable experimental workflows that directly drive our company’s growth.

This position offers first-hand exposure to automated chemistry platforms, with real ownership over experiments that inform company strategy and scientific direction. Ideal candidates are execution-driven, thrive in fast-paced laboratory environments, and are eager to build deep technical expertise while contributing meaningfully to next-generation chemical discovery at Lila Sciences.

What You'll Be Building

• Independently execute experiments to synthesize, purify, and characterize organic and inorganic small molecules
• Optimize reactions, perform method development, and interpret analytical data to guide project decisions
• Translate early-stage ideas into reproducible, functional experiments
• Apply retrosynthetic planning to support target molecule synthesis
• Operate Schlenk lines, gloveboxes, and other inert-atmosphere systems for sensitive compounds
• Use PAT tools (UPLC, LCMS, NMR, IR, Fluroescence, DLS) to monitor reactions, ensure quality control, and generate high-quality data for ML workflows
• Leverage automation and AI-driven platforms to accelerate workflows and reduce experimental cycle times
• Collaborate with engineers, ML scientists, and stakeholders to validate model-suggested conditions, analyze trends, troubleshoot issues, and communicate results clearly through reports, discussions, and presentations
• Document results, maintain accurate digital records and adhere to EHS and laboratory best practices

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• M.S. in Chemistry or related discipline (organic, organometallics, catalysis) with 2+ years of hands-on high-fidelity laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting, or B.S. + 5 years
• Hands-on experience in organic/inorganic synthesis, purification, chromatographic techniques, product analysis
• Strong understanding of retrosynthesis, reaction mechanisms, and method optimization workflows
• Proficiency with analytical techniques such as TLC, HPLC, LCMS, NMR, and IR
• Ability to follow SOPs and work safely with diverse chemical reagents and automated platforms
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary research environment
• Required proficiency in using SciFinder, Reaxys, Chemdraw to search public database and literature
• Basic proficiency in Python or other scripting languages for data handling
• Good document practices, strong attention to detail and a proactive, problem-solving mindset
• Effective oral and written communication skills; contributed to internal reports, technical documentation, or peer-reviewed publications

Bonus Points For

• Experience with high-throughput or AI-driven automated platforms
• Authored publications in peer-reviewed journals in chemical catalysis, organic methodology
• Ability to handle air/moisture/light sensitive compounds

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.

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.

Information you provide during your application process will be handled in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Policy.

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.