Lila Sciences · 21 hours ago
Senior Research Associate / Associate Scientist, Mammalian Cell Engineering Operations
Cambridge, MA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$80K/yr - $118K/yr
4+ years expLila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. The Senior Research Associate will support and advance LILA’s cell-based research programs with a focus on mammalian cell culture and engineering workflows.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)SoftwareLife ScienceFoundational AI
Responsibilities
Design, execute, and optimize stable and transient mammalian cell engineering workflows, including CRISPR-based genome editing, lentiviral vector (LVV) production and titering, and transposase-based systems; experience with primary cell engineering and transduction is strongly preferred
Culture, maintain, and optimize mammalian cell lines and primary cells, applying best-in-class aseptic technique across thawing, expansion, passaging, cryopreservation, and cell banking, while proactively monitoring culture health and troubleshooting variability
Perform cell-based assays and downstream analytical readouts, including assessments of viability, proliferation, and phenotype using flow cytometry, qPCR, ELISA, and imaging-based approaches; analyze and clearly summarize results to inform program and experimental decisions
Rigorously document experimental protocols, data, and observations in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs), ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and compliance with internal standards
Support the development and adoption of automation-enabled cell culture and assay workflows, contributing to increased throughput, robustness, and scalability
Collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, providing technical input into experimental design, process optimization, and project planning, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of experience, or Master's degree with 2+ years of experience, in Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field
Industry-relevant, hands-on experience with a strong emphasis on mammalian cell culture and cell engineering
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams
Demonstrated excellence in experimental documentation and SOP development, with a strong focus on reproducibility and quality
Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced, innovative, and highly collaborative research environment
Preferred
Experience in cell engineering (Stable Cell line generation) and lentiviral vector (LVV) production is highly desirable
Experience with primary cell engineering and transduction is strongly preferred
Benefits
Bonus potential
Generous early equity
Company
Lila Sciences
Lila Sciences creates a scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous labs for life sciences, chemistry, and materials science. It is a sub-organization of Flagship Pioneering.
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Lila Sciences has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (8)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$550.67MKey Investors
ARIANVenturesBraidwell,Collective Global Management
2026-01-20Grant· $0.67M
2025-10-14Series A· $115M
2025-09-14Series A· $235M
Recent News
MIT Technology Review
2026-01-22
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2025-12-17
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