Engineer I, Research Operations, (1st shift)

Engineer I, Research Operations, (1st shift) Lila Sciences' Research Operations team executes the high-throughput laboratory workflows that power our scientific platform. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Engineer I to support mammalian cell-based workflows, including electroporation, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) dosing, and chemical transfection. 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. In this role, you will combine hands-on cell culture with laboratory automation to deliver consistent, high-quality materials for downstream applications. You will maintain mammalian cell cultures, operate automated liquid handlers and specialized instruments, monitor cell health and quality-control results, troubleshoot issues, and perform downstream characterization. You will partner with scientists and engineers to improve workflow reliability, scalability, and traceability. What You'll Be Building • Execute high-throughput automated and manual workflows, including electroporation, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) dosing, and chemical transfection. • Maintain and passage mammalian cell lines and primary cells using aseptic technique, including cell counting and viability assessment. • Prepare workflow materials and operate automated liquid handlers, electroporation instruments, and related laboratory equipment. • Perform downstream characterization using flow cytometry, plate reader-based assays, or imaging-based methods. • Monitor cell health, workflow performance, and quality-control results; troubleshoot issues and escalate as needed. • Maintain traceable records, provide clear handoffs, and partner with scientists and engineers to improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) and workflows. What You'll Need to Succeed • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific or engineering field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience. • Minimum 3 years of relevant Co-Op and industry laboratory experience. • Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience, including aseptic technique, routine maintenance, passaging, cell counting, and viability assessment. • Experience with mammalian cell transfection methods, including chemical transfection, electroporation, or related delivery technologies. • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and technical instructions while maintaining accurate, complete, and traceable documentation. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including recognizing deviations, performing initial troubleshooting, and escalating appropriately. • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and execute reliably in a fast-paced, high-throughput laboratory environment. • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to provide clear status updates and work effectively across 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 • Experience operating electroporation platforms, such as the Lonza Nucleofector or similar systems. • Experience with LNP dosing or LNP-mediated delivery to mammalian cells. • Experience handling primary human cells, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), T cells, or stem cells. • Hands-on experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation, instrument operation, or data analysis. • Experience with plate reader-based or imaging-based cellular assays. • Experience operating automated liquid handlers and associated software. • Experience working in a high-throughput screening or production-oriented laboratory environment. 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. International Benefits. Full-time employees outside the U.S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region. USD salary ranges apply only to U.S.-based positions; international salaries are set to local market. Expected Base Salary Range $75,600-$100,800 USD