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Salary: USD 88,000 - 144,000 / annual
Lila Sciences is seeking an Associate Scientist/Scientist I in Translational Biology to join their team in Cambridge, MA. This role focuses on flow cytometry and ex vivo tissue processing as core disciplines, with responsibility for independently isolating and processing cells from liver, spleen, and whole blood across mouse, rat, NHP, and human samples. You will execute complex multi-parameter flow cytometry panels to interrogate LNP (lipid nanoparticle) uptake, cellular delivery, immune activation, and phenotypic response across in vitro and ex vivo models.
Key responsibilities include:
- Serve as a flow cytometry subject-matter expert, independently executing high-dimensional multi-parameter panels and partnering with leadership on panel design and assay development strategy
- Own the complete flow workflow: fluorophore selection, compensation/unmixing, instrument setup and QC, acquisition, and rigorous analysis in FlowJo
- Independently isolate viable single-cell suspensions and immune populations from multiple tissues and species, including perfusion, mechanical/enzymatic dissociation, density-gradient separation, and RBC lysis
- Prepare and process tissues from in vitro and in vivo studies for downstream analysis (flow, ELISA, multiplex, qPCR)
- Drive flow-based readouts for LNP and delivery system performance, translating complex cytometry data into actionable insights
- Execute in vitro assays evaluating LNP performance across readouts including IncuCyte, uptake, expression, knockdown, cytotoxicity, and innate immune activation
- Execute high-throughput and plate-based screening experiments, including plate-based flow and liquid handling
- Oversee sample collection, aliquoting, labeling, and storage; ensure biorepository integrity
- Assist with development of multiplex immunoassays (MSD, Luminex, ELISA) for cytokine profiling and immunogenicity assessment
- Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data at team and cross-functional meetings
- Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and electronic records; mentor junior scientists on flow cytometry technique and tissue processing
- Collaborate cross-functionally with biology, automation, and data teams
Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to accelerate discovery through advanced AI models combined with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments. The company operates as an autonomous operating system for science, executing the scientific method at unprecedented speed and scale across medicine, materials, and energy.
REQUIREMENTS:
- B.S. with 5+ years or M.S. with 3+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, or related life science field; industry experience preferred
- Advanced, demonstrated expertise in multi-parameter flow cytometry required, including high-dimensional panel design, fluorophore/spectral selection, compensation/unmixing, instrument QC and setup, acquisition, and sophisticated data analysis and interpretation
- Hands-on experience with FlowJo, including compensation/unmixing, gating strategy design, and multi-parameter data analysis; experience with high-parameter conventional or spectral platforms strongly preferred
- Demonstrated hands-on expertise in ex vivo tissue processing and cell isolation required, including generating high-viability single-cell suspensions from liver, spleen, and whole blood, and experience across multiple species (mouse, rat, NHP, and/or human)
- Proven ability to independently execute, troubleshoot, and interpret experiments, and to contribute to assay development in partnership with senior scientists
- Hands-on expertise with multiplex immunoassay platforms (MSD, Luminex, and/or ELISA), including panel development and qualification is a plus
- Experience with primary cell culture and immortalized cell lines, and their downstream readouts including IncuCyte
- Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and firm commitment to data integrity
- Ability to independently manage and prioritize multiple concurrent experiments in a fast-paced environment
- Ex vivo isolation of viable cells/immune populations from liver, spleen, and whole blood with demonstrated experience across mouse, rat, NHP, and/or human samples
- Hands-on proficiency with FlowJo for compensation/unmixing, gating, and multi-parameter analysis
- Experience with spectral flow cytometry and/or high-parameter panels (15+ colors)
- Experience with cell sorting (FACS), bead isolation, and downstream applications
- Familiarity with automated/plate-based (high-throughput) flow acquisition
- Proficiency with additional data analysis tools and electronic lab notebook keeping
Bonus qualifications: working knowledge of nucleic acid therapeutics or LNPs; experience processing tissues for biodistribution or tissue-resident immune cell analysis across preclinical species; hands-on experience with qPCR or ddPCR for gene expression or biodistribution readouts; experience coordinating studies or samples with CROs; track record of contributing to assay SOPs, protocols, or assay validation packages; experience supporting ELISA development, optimization, and validation; experience with automation and liquid handlers.
