Automation Engineer I-II

Lila Sciences is a privately held, early-stage technology company pioneering the application of artificial intelligence to transform every aspect of the scientific method. Lila is backed by Flagship Pioneering, which brings the courage, long-term vision, and resources needed to realize unreasonable results. Join our mission-driven team and contribute to the future of science.

Our platform is integrating AI and automation into discovery and development efforts across materials and life sciences to accelerate solutions for sustainability and therapeutics challenges.

At Lila, we are uniquely cross-functional and collaborative. We are actively reimagining the way teams work together and communicate. Therefore, we seek individuals with an inclusive mindset and a diversity of thought. Our teams thrive in unstructured and creative environments. All voices are heard because we know that experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way.

If this sounds like an environment you'd love to work in, even if you only have some of the experience listed below, please apply.

Role: Lila Sciences is seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Automation Engineer I-II to join our Life Sciences Process Engineering Team. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the testing, validation, and ongoing improvement of automated methods on both off the shelf and in-house built instrumentation and software, get hands on experience with end to end automated process development, and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including scientists and machine learning experts, to enhance our process capabilities.

Responsibilities Include:

• Automated Method Support Utilizing an understanding of different automated instrument platforms, the successful candidate will test, validate, and evaluate continuous improvements for automated methods developed by senior engineers.
• Troubleshooting and Optimization Provide prompt troubleshooting support for methods and instrumentation to automation end users and escalate situations as needed to subject matter experts in automation, hardware, software, data and computing, and science.
• Instrument Maintenance Support and perform various periodic maintenance tasks for automated equipment, along with performance and qualification checks after vendor equipment work.
• Collaboration Work closely with Lila Team members both within and across functions in areas including automation, hardware and engineering, data and computing, scientific and machine learning teams to understand instrumentation, automated methods, and process requirements to assist in the implementation of automated solutions.
• Coding & Integration Develop and apply programming skills to interface with laboratory instruments, understand automation scripts, and support continuous improvements in automated methods and data integration.
• Documentation Maintain accurate and detailed records of robotics issues, method issues, protocols, system configurations, and project outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Minimum of B.A. or B.S. degree in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Laboratory Experience: Preferred 2-4+ years hands-on laboratory automation in the life sciences with instruments from manufacturers like Hamilton, Tecan, Agilent, Dynamic Devices, or Beckman Coulter.
• Technical Skills: Basic coding experience (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or similar languages).
• Soft Skills: Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Analytical mindset and problem-solving skills.

Working at Lila Sciences, you would have access to:

• Hands-on experience in laboratory automation and workflow development.
• Mentorship and collaboration opportunities with industry experts.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters learning and innovation.
• Opportunities to interface with advance technologies in the areas of instrument integration and automation, AI experimental design and simulation, and both physical and life sciences.

About Flagship

Flagship Pioneering is a platform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity's most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE's "Change the World" list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies, and has been twice named to Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies.

Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are 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.

At Flagship, we recognize there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, "FSP") do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering's internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.