Engineer I/II, Research Operations (1st shift)

Your Impact at LILA

Lila Sciences’ Research Operations team executes the automated laboratory workflows that power our scientific platform. We are seeking a versatile and detail-oriented Engineer I/II who can quickly learn and independently execute high-throughput workflows across a range of biological applications, including DNA, RNA, mRNA, protein, and cell-based workflows.

You will remain part of Research Operations while working closely with a cross-functional team of scientists and engineers, providing the scientific and operational context needed to execute, evaluate, and improve laboratory systems. You will operate laboratory automation and instrumentation, monitor workflow performance and quality-control results, troubleshoot issues, maintain operational readiness, and translate workflow observations into improvements that strengthen reliability and scalability.

This is an on-site, first-shift role, with scheduled hours of either 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM based on operational needs. Level will be determined based on experience, technical breadth, and demonstrated independence.

What You'll Be Building

• Independently execute high-throughput automated and manual workflows across DNA, RNA, mRNA, protein, cell-based, and other biological applications.
• Prepare and verify reagents, samples, labware, and consumables required for workflow execution.
• Operate liquid handlers, plate readers, incubators, integrated workcells, and other laboratory instrumentation.
• Serve as a scientific and operational partner to cross-functional teams, translating workflow requirements, observations, and performance issues into actionable feedback.
• Monitor workflow execution and quality-control results, troubleshoot common equipment or process issues, and coordinate escalation of complex failures.
• Perform startup, shutdown, cleaning, routine maintenance, and readiness activities to support safe and reliable operations.
• Maintain accurate and traceable workflow records, SOPs, technical instructions, and cross-shift handoffs.
• Identify and implement improvements that strengthen workflow reliability, efficiency, scalability, and operational coverage.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific or engineering field, plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry laboratory experience; applicable co-op experience may count toward this requirement.
• Hands-on experience with core laboratory techniques such as pipetting, reagent preparation, sample handling, serial dilution, plate-based workflows, or aseptic technique.
• Experience operating laboratory automation or instrumentation in a research, production, or high-throughput environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret quality-control results, recognize unexpected workflow behavior, perform initial troubleshooting, and escalate appropriately.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and technical instructions while maintaining accurate, complete, and traceable documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new scientific workflows, work independently, manage competing priorities, and apply training accurately as operational needs evolve.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively across scientific, engineering, and operational teams.
• Ability to work on-site during first shift, with scheduled hours of either 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM based on operational needs.

Bonus Points For

• Hands-on experience across more than one biological workflow area, such as DNA, RNA, mRNA, protein, mammalian cell culture, or LNP.
• Experience operating laboratory automation platforms such as Hamilton, Tecan, Beckman, Echo, Opentrons, or similar systems.
• Experience partnering with hardware or automation engineers on instrument integration, testing, qualification, user acceptance testing, or workflow deployment.
• Experience troubleshooting laboratory instrumentation, performing routine maintenance, or supporting root-cause investigations.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting quality-control data generated by automated laboratory workflows.
• Familiarity with laboratory information management, sample-tracking, maintenance, or workflow-scheduling systems.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Willingness and flexibility to provide occasional second-shift coverage from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM with advance notice, based on operational needs.