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

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.

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.