Research Associate, Protein Science, Cell Free-Expression

Your Impact at LILA

Lila is seeking a dedicated and skilled Research Associate, Protein Sciences to join our high through-put Cell-Free Expression platform. As a Research Associate, you will play a vital role in our interdisciplinary research efforts focused on building and automating artificial intelligence-driven processes across a variety of valuable applications.

What You'll Be Building

• Development and refinement of cell-free expression systems for efficient protein synthesis.
• Optimize conditions for high-yield and high-quality protein production
• Prepare media and solutions for cell culture and processing
• Perform molecular cloning, mutagenesis, and other genetic manipulation for strain development.
• Demonstrate proficiency in operating and utilizing liquid handlers and robotic systems for automated laboratory processes.
• Collaborate with biologists, machine learning scientists, software developers, and other engineers to develop and optimize AI-driven processes.
• Track and maintain excellent data records in formats amenable to computational workflows.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, prepare technical reports, and present findings to internal teams and stakeholders.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• A bachelor's or master's degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, biological engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of laboratory experience
• Experience with cell culture techniques, including growth, maintenance, and transformation, across a variety of cell lines
• Familiarity with plate-based assays
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, and communication

Bonus Points For

• Skilled in cloning, expression and optimization of protein
• Data analysis using relevant software (Python, R, or similar)
• Scripting for automation platforms

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.

U.S. 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.