Scientist I/II, mRNA Translation Dynamics

Your Impact at LILA We are seeking a curious, driven, and collaborative Scientist to join our discovery platform team focused on decoding mRNA translation dynamics. You will develop workflows that utilize next-generation pooled screening strategies like polysome profiling and Ribo-seq to to generate rich biological datasets that feed directly into Lila's machine learning models. This is a unique opportunity to help invent a new approach to biological discovery by integrating synthetic biology, high-throughput experimentation, and intelligent automation. What You'll Be Building Design and execute high-throughput pooled screening campaigns to interrogate mRNA translation dynamics across diverse sequence and structural contexts Develop and optimize cell-free and in-cell assay systems for quantitative measurement of translation efficiency, kinetics, and regulation across different cell environments Collaborate closely with computational and ML teams to define data requirements, validate model predictions, and close the loop between experiment and prediction Establish and refine next-generation library design strategies, leveraging combinatorial and rational approaches to explore sequence space efficiently Analyze and interpret complex biological datasets, distilling key findings into actionable insights for platform advancement Contribute to the development of automated and semi-automated experimental pipelines to increase throughput and consistency What You’ll Need to Succeed MSc with 4+ years of industry or academic experience, or PhD in a relevant field (molecular biology, bioengineering, synthetic biology, chemical biology, etc.) Deep expertise in mRNA biology and translation regulation Experience with next-generation sequencing based assays of mRNA translation such as polysome profiling and Ribo-seq Strong quantitative and analytical skills with experience handling large-scale biological datasets Excellent communication and collaboration skills with a track record of working effectively in interdisciplinary teams Bonus Points For Experience integrating experimental data with machine learning or computational modeling pipelines Proficiency in Python, R, or other scripting languages for data analysis and visualization Background in generating and screening complex, high-diversity sequence libraries Familiarity with laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, or high-throughput workflow development Experience with in-situ sequencing of RNA with imaging like STARmap and Ribomap Compensation We offer competitive compensation including bonus potential and generous early equity. The final offer will reflect your unique background, expertise, and impact. Expected Base Salary Range $108,000 — $170,000 USD About LILA Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges. We believe science is the most inspiring frontier for AI. Rather than hard-coding expert knowledge into tools, LILA builds systems that can learn for themselves. LILA combines advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments into an operating system for science that executes the entire scientific method autonomously, accelerating discovery at unprecedented speed, scale, and impact across medicine, materials, and energy. Learn more at www.lila.ai. Guided by our core values of truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity, we move with startup speed while tackling problems of historic importance. If this sounds like an environment you'd love to work in, even if you don't meet every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. 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.