Research Operations Engineer

Your Impact at LILA

Lila Sciences’ Research Operations team executes the high-throughput laboratory workflows that power our scientific platform. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Engineer I to support mammalian cell-based workflows, including electroporation, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) dosing, and chemical transfection. This is an on-site, first-shift role, with scheduled hours of either 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM based on operational needs.   In this role, you will combine hands-on cell culture with laboratory automation to deliver consistent, high-quality materials for downstream applications. You will maintain mammalian cell cultures, operate automated liquid handlers and specialized instruments, monitor cell health and quality-control results, troubleshoot issues, and perform downstream characterization. You will partner with scientists and engineers to improve workflow reliability, scalability, and traceability.

What You'll Be Building

• Execute high-throughput automated and manual workflows, including electroporation, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) dosing, and chemical transfection.
• Maintain and passage mammalian cell lines and primary cells using aseptic technique, including cell counting and viability assessment.
• Prepare workflow materials and operate automated liquid handlers, electroporation instruments, and related laboratory equipment.
• Perform downstream characterization using flow cytometry, plate reader-based assays, or imaging-based methods.
• Monitor cell health, workflow performance, and quality-control results; troubleshoot issues and escalate as needed.
• Maintain traceable records, provide clear handoffs, and partner with scientists and engineers to improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) and workflows.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, or a related scientific or engineering field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant laboratory experience.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant Co-Op and industry laboratory experience.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience, including aseptic technique, routine maintenance, passaging, cell counting, and viability assessment.
• Experience with mammalian cell transfection methods, including chemical transfection, electroporation, or related delivery technologies.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and technical instructions while maintaining accurate, complete, and traceable documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including recognizing deviations, performing initial troubleshooting, and escalating appropriately.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and execute reliably in a fast-paced, high-throughput laboratory environment.