Scientist II/Senior Characterization Scientist, Condensed Matter

About the role

As a Scientist II/Senior Scientist on the PS Experiment team at Lila Sciences, you will drive the development and implementation of advanced characterization workflows for magnetic and superconducting materials. You will be a core contributor to Lila's autonomous science platform, designing and executing high-throughput experiments that yield critical structural, magnetic, and transport data to guide materials discovery.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and optimize characterization workflows for magnetic and superconducting materials using techniques such as magnetometry (VSM/SQUID), transport measurements, and AC susceptibility.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets to extract materials properties including critical temperatures, field-dependent behavior, and magnetic ordering.
• Collaborate with experimentalists, systems engineers, and ML scientists to integrate characterization outputs into closed-loop autonomous experimental workflows.
• Develop and maintain protocols for sample preparation, instrument calibration, and quality control across diverse material types and form factors.
• Troubleshoot characterization workflows and instrumentation to sustain high-throughput operational performance.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field, with 1–5 years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in characterization of magnetic or superconducting materials, including proficiency with one or more of: VSM, SQUID magnetometry, PPMS, or equivalent platforms.
• Strong understanding of the physics of magnetism, superconductivity, or related condensed matter phenomena.
• Experienced in making measurements both on materials and prototype devices.
• Proficient in quantitative data analysis and interpretation of structure-property relationships in solid-state materials.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with a track record of cross-functional collaboration.

Bonus Points

• Familiarity with complementary characterization techniques such as XRD, TEM, SEM, or spectroscopy.
• Proficiency in Python or similar tools for data analysis and workflow automation.
• Experience in custom instrumentation.
• Wide breadth of exposure to different types of functional materials and applications.
• Exposure to automated, high-throughput, or autonomous laboratory environments.
• Background in multiple material classes (e.g., oxides, intermetallics, thin films, or 2D materials).
• Comfort working in fast-paced, interdisciplinary research settings.

Pay

We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity. Your final offer will reflect your background, expertise, and expected impact.

Schedule

Full-time position.

Benefits

U.S. Benefits: 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.

International Benefits: Comprehensive benefits program tailored to your region.