Research Associate, Chemical Synthesis

Lila Sciences is seeking a motivated Research Associate to join their high-throughput autonomous chemistry team. This role involves synthesizing organic and inorganic small molecules, operating laboratory automation platforms, and executing high-throughput workflows. The associate will optimize reactions, interpret analytical data, and leverage AI-driven platforms to accelerate discovery. Responsibilities include operating specialized equipment like Schlenk lines and gloveboxes, collecting data with PAT tools, and maintaining digital records. This position offers hands-on experience with advanced automation and contributes directly to projects driving company growth.

Must Have

• Synthesize organic and inorganic compounds
• Perform purification and quantification workflows
• Operate Schlenk lines, gloveboxes, and inert-atmosphere systems
• Collect and interpret data using PAT tools (UV, IR, Raman, NMR, LCMS, Fluorescence, DLS)
• Experience in a high-fidelity chemical lab
• Hands-on skills in organic synthesis, purification, and chromatography
• Familiarity with analytical techniques (TLC, UV, LC, NMR, IR, Raman, DLS, Fluorescence)
• Able to work with automated platforms, PAT tools, and AI-driven workflows
• Maintain strict adherence to laboratory SOPs

Good to Have

• Experience interfacing organic chemistry workflows with automated platforms and AI-driven closed-loop experimentation systems
• Strong tenacity to solve organic chemistry problems, powerful in retrosynthesis
• Authored publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to handle air/moisture/light sensitive compounds
• Knowledge of handling chemical solvents and toxic compounds
• Basic proficiency in Python or another scripting language for data handling

Perks & Benefits

• Bonus potential
• Generous early equity

Your Impact at Lila

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join our high-throughput autonomous chemistry team. In this role, you will synthesize organic and inorganic small molecules/compounds, as well as operate other laboratory automation platforms to execute high-throughput workflows. You will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art automation technologies while contributing directly to projects that drive our company’s growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates excited to learn next gen chemical synthesis and characterization, work with advanced laboratory automation, and develop a strong foundation in autonomous chemistry labscale operations.

What You'll Be Building

• Synthesize organic and inorganic compounds, perform purification and quantification workflows, optimizing reactions and interpreting analytical data to guide decisions.
• Leverage automation and AI-driven closed-loop platforms to accelerate workflows, reduce cycle times, and improve discovery and process optimization.
• Possess excellent problem solving skills and a clear understanding of retrosynthesis, method optimization and reaction mechanisms.
• Operate Schlenk lines, gloveboxes, and inert-atmosphere systems for handling air- and moisture-sensitive compounds
• Collect and interpret data using PAT tools (UV, IR, Raman, NMR, LCMS, Fluorescence, DLS) to monitor reactions and product quality.
• Maintain digital records of experiments, metadata, and results to ensure data integrity for AI-driven analysis.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to analyze trends, propose optimization cycles, and validate model-suggested conditions in real time
• Interface with automation engineers, mechanical engineers, and AI scientists, and clearly communicate experimental findings through presentations, technical discussions, and written summaries.
• Follow EHS best practices for reagent handling, equipment use, waste management, labeling, PPE, and documentation

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Currently pursuing or recently completed M.S. (or B.S.) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline
• Experience in a high-fidelity chemical lab, with hands-on skills in organic synthesis, purification, and chromatography, and comfortable working with diverse chemical reagents.
• Familiarity with analytical techniques such as TLC, UV, LC, NMR, IR, Raman, DLS, Fluorescence
• Able to work with automated platforms, PAT tools, and AI-driven workflows while maintaining strict adherence to laboratory SOPs.
• Basic proficiency in Python or another scripting language for data handling is a plus
• Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and willingness to ask questions and learn
• Effective written and verbal communication; ability to work in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary team

Bonus Points For

• Experience interfacing organic chemistry workflows with automated platforms and AI-driven closed-loop experimentation systems is highly preferred.
• Strong tenacity to solve organic chemistry problems, powerful in retrosynthesis
• Authored publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to handle air/moisture/light sensitive compounds
• Knows handling of chemical solvents and toxic compounds

About Lila

Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. We are pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building the capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method. We are introducing scientific superintelligence to solve humankind's greatest challenges, enabling scientists to bring forth solutions in human health, climate, and sustainability at a pace and scale never experienced before. Learn more about this mission at www.lila.ai

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

Compensation

We expect the base salary for this role to fall between $80,000–$118,000 USD per year, along with bonus potential and generous early equity. The final offer will reflect your unique background, expertise, and impact.

We’re All In

Lila Sciences is 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.

Information you provide during your application process will be handled in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Policy.

A Note to Agencies

Lila Sciences does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lila Sciences or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lila Science’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lila Sciences, and Lila Sciences will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.