Engineer I, Research Operations (2nd Shift)

Location: Cambridge, MA USA

Department: Autonomous Science Platform

Your Impact at LILA

Lila Sciences’ Research Operations team executes the automated laboratory workflows that power our scientific platform. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Engineer I to join our high-throughput Research Operations team in an on-site, second-shift role with working hours of 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

In this role, you will operate integrated laboratory automation, prepare materials, monitor active workflows, troubleshoot issues, and help ensure reliable execution across the shift. You will apply your prior laboratory experience while collaborating with scientists and engineers across life sciences and physical sciences to support diverse research programs. This role is well suited to a candidate with a strong laboratory foundation who is ready to deepen their expertise in high-throughput automation, engineering principles, and science operations.

What Youll Be Building

• Execute high-throughput automated and manual laboratory workflows using integrated workcells and liquid-handling platforms, such as Hamilton, Lynx, Echo, or similar systems.
• Prepare, organize, and verify reagents, samples, labware, and consumables required for workflow execution.
• Follow standard operating procedures, work instructions, and safety requirements to support accurate, reproducible, and timely results.
• Monitor workflows in real time, identify equipment or process issues, perform first-line troubleshooting and recovery, and escalate complex issues when necessary.
• Perform routine equipment checks, cleaning, maintenance, and readiness activities to support reliable operation of automated systems.
• Review quality-control outputs and accurately record experimental, equipment, and process data to maintain data integrity and sample traceability.
• Provide clear end-of-shift handoffs and partner with scientists, automation engineers, and operational teams to communicate workflow status, open issues, and follow-up actions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and cross-training efforts that strengthen workflow efficiency, robustness, scalability, and operational coverage.

What Youll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific or engineering field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant Co-Op and industry laboratory experience.
• Hands-on laboratory experience performing core techniques, including pipetting, reagent preparation, and aseptic technique, within Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Protein Science, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures and technical instructions while maintaining accurate, complete, and traceable documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to recognize unexpected results or workflow behavior, perform initial troubleshooting, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, and execute reliably in a fast-paced, high-throughput laboratory environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to provide clear status updates and work effectively across teams.
• Ability to work on-site during the scheduled second shift from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Bonus Points For

• Experience operating automated liquid handlers or integrated laboratory workcells, such as Hamilton, Lynx, Echo, or similar platforms.
• Experience working in a high-throughput or production-oriented laboratory environment with an emphasis on quality, efficiency, scalability, and operational continuity.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting quality-control data generated by automated laboratory workflows.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management, sample-tracking, or workflow-scheduling systems.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory automation, performing routine equipment maintenance, or contributing to process improvements.
• Experience with protein purification or characterization techniques, such as bead-based purification, CE-SDS, colorimetric assays, or biolayer interferometry.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture, DNA or RNA workflows, or lipid nanoparticle formulation and handling.