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Salary: USD 108,000 - 170,000 / annual
Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ by combining advanced AI models with proprietary instruments to execute the scientific method autonomously. The Autonomous Science Platform accelerates materials discovery through experimental science, automation, AI, and software.
You will join the Materials Science team as a Scientist I/II in X-ray Diffraction Characterization. Your core responsibility is to develop, validate, and operate XRD characterization workflows that turn diffraction measurements into trusted, machine-readable structural, phase, and thin-film data. This data directly supports scientific decisions, automated workflows, and model development.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and operate PXRD (powder X-ray diffraction), XRR (X-ray reflectometry), GIXRD (grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction), and related characterization methods
- Prepare samples for XRD measurement, run measurements, interpret diffraction and reflectometry data, and troubleshoot data-quality issues
- Define calibration, validation, QC, and reproducibility standards for XRD workflows
- Build structured, traceable data outputs for downstream analysis and modeling
- Partner with AI, software, automation, and experimental teams to translate XRD expertise into scalable analyzer workflows
- Support data ingestion, metadata capture, provenance, quality control, and analysis pipelines
- Maintain instrument readiness through SOPs, documentation, and troubleshooting
- Translate project needs into fit-for-purpose XRD methods and analysis plans
You will combine strong experimental judgment in XRD characterization with a commitment to making scientific data reliable, interpretable, reproducible, and trusted by downstream teams.
REQUIREMENTS:
- PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering, or related field; OR M.S. with equivalent hands-on characterization experience
- Hands-on experience with X-ray diffraction methods, including PXRD and related materials characterization workflows
- Strong understanding of diffraction principles, phase identification, microstructure analysis (crystallite size, microstrain, texture), structure-property relationships, and common sources of measurement error
- Experience preparing samples for XRD measurement, validating methods, interpreting data, and troubleshooting instrument or workflow issues
- Experience with XRD analysis software, scientific data analysis, or scripting for data processing
- Ability to turn characterization workflows into reliable, structured, machine-readable data
- Clear communication skills for working across scientific, AI, automation, and software teams
BONUS QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with PXRD, XRR, GIXRD, thin-film characterization, or texture analysis
- Familiarity with automated or high-throughput characterization workflows
- Experience developing SOPs, QC systems, calibration workflows, or reference standards
- Proficiency with Python or similar tools for scientific data analysis
- Experience working with commercial, time-sensitive, or cross-functional technical programs
