Research Associate, Protein Science, Cell-free Expression

Lila Sciences Lila Sciences · AI Frontier · One Charles Park, Cambridge, MA · Autonomous Science Platform

Research Associate role focused on developing and refining cell-free expression systems for protein synthesis, optimizing conditions, preparing media, performing molecular cloning, operating robotic systems, and collaborating with AI scientists and engineers to develop AI-driven processes. The role involves data record-keeping amenable to computational workflows and data analysis.

What you'd actually do

  1. Development and refinement of cell-free expression systems for efficient protein synthesis.
  2. Optimize conditions for high-yield and high-quality protein production
  3. Prepare media and solutions for cell culture and processing
  4. Perform molecular cloning, mutagenesis, and other genetic manipulation for strain development.
  5. Demonstrate proficiency in operating and utilizing liquid handlers and robotic systems for automated laboratory processes.

Skills

Required

  • 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

Nice to have

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

What the JD emphasized

  • AI-driven processes