Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Characterization

About the role

Lila Sciences is seeking a Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Characterization to join the Materials Science team within the Autonomous Science Platform. This role focuses on operating, maintaining, and improving characterization workflows that support active materials research campaigns.

The person in this role will run and troubleshoot core characterization methods, including SEM, optical microscopy, and XRD, while helping bring new instruments and protocols into reliable use. They will partner with scientists, engineers, and platform teams to deliver high-quality measurements, document methods, and keep characterization workflows moving efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Operate SEM, optical microscopy, XRD, and related characterization workflows.
• Prepare samples and measurement plans for routine characterization requests.
• Maintain instrument readiness through checks, calibration, documentation, and troubleshooting.
• Develop and refine protocols for new tools, methods, and sample types.
• Deliver high-quality measurement data with clear records and traceable methods.
• Identify workflow bottlenecks and improve throughput, reliability, and data quality.
• Partner with Materials Science, platform, and operations teams on campaign needs.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a related field.
• 2 to 5 years of hands-on laboratory experience in materials characterization or adjacent workflows.
• Experience operating SEM, optical microscopy, XRD, or other common materials characterization tools.
• Strong sample preparation, measurement planning, and experimental documentation skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot instruments, workflows, and data-quality issues.
• Comfort following SOPs while improving protocols as methods mature.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with scientists, engineers, and operations teams.

Bonus Points

• Familiarity with materials sample preparation for microscopy or diffraction workflows.
• Experience onboarding new lab equipment, methods, or characterization protocols.
• Comfort working in high-throughput or service-oriented lab environments.
• Basic data analysis, visualization, or scripting experience for measurement workflows.

Compensation

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

Benefits

Full-time U.S. employees receive a comprehensive benefits program including 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.

Full-time employees outside the U.S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.-based positions; international salaries are set to local market.

Expected Base Salary Range: $80,000 USD - $118,000 USD