Company Summary
Lila Sciences is a privately held, early-stage technology company pioneering the application of artificial intelligence to transform every aspect of the scientific method. Lila is backed by Flagship Pioneering, which brings the courage, long-term vision, and resources needed to realize unreasonable results. Join our mission-driven team and contribute to the future of science.
Our Life Sciences effort is leveraging AI and high-throughput automation for valuable therapeutic discovery and development across biological modalities.
At Lila, we are uniquely cross-functional and collaborative. We are actively reimagining the way teams work together and communicate. Therefore, we seek individuals with an inclusive mindset and a diversity of thought. Our teams thrive in unstructured and creative environments. All voices are heard because we know that experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way.
If this sounds like an environment you’d love to work in, even if you only have some of the experience listed below, please apply.
The Role
We are seeking a Senior Scientist with expertise in DNA design and assembly to lead the development of an advanced platform that integrates machine learning, artificial intelligence and wet lab automation, to revolutionize DNA production. This role will work in collaboration with our machine learning, data and hardware automation and wet lab groups to build a platform that will combine state of the art AI and synthetic biology tools, and laboratory infrastructure to streamline the entire DNA creation workflow from initial design through final assembly.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work with our machine learning, data sciences and hardware automation teams to design and implement a generative DNA design and assembly platform, allowing rapid, automated DNA design and assembly.
- Lead the development of high-throughput workflows for DNA synthesis, assembly, and functional validation.
- Collaborate with machine learning teams to formulate testable hypotheses, design experiments, and provide high-quality datasets to train and refine ML models.
- Continually transition novel technologies from bench to production scale, through refinement of throughput, cost and time efficiency.
- Act as a liaison between experimental and computational teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project goals.
- Stay informed on advancements in synthetic biology and machine learning to implement cutting-edge techniques.
- Mentor junior scientists and contribute to a collaborative, innovative team culture.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.
- Proven expertise in designing and executing wet lab experiments to push the boundaries of standard molecular biology techniques.
- Hands-on experience with a variety of molecular cloning, DNA synthesis, and associated techniques, including functional assays.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with generative design principles and the ability to interface with machine learning teams to refine DNA designs.
- Experience with laboratory automation and high-throughput screening platforms.
- Track record of success in synthetic biology research, as evidenced by publications, patents, or product development.
- Knowledge of scaling experimental workflows.
Working at Lila Sciences, you would have access to advanced technology in the areas of:
- AI experimental design and simulation
- Automated instrumentation
- Generative molecular design
About Flagship
Flagship Pioneering is a platform innovation company that invents and builds platform companies, each with the potential for multiple products that transform human health or sustainability. Since its launch in 2000, Flagship has originated and fostered more than 100 scientific ventures, resulting in more than $90 billion in aggregate value. Many of the companies Flagship has founded have addressed humanity’s most urgent challenges: vaccinating billions of people against COVID-19, curing intractable diseases, improving human health, preempting illness, and feeding the world by improving the resiliency and sustainability of agriculture. Flagship has been recognized twice on FORTUNE’s “Change the World” list, an annual ranking of companies that have made a positive social and environmental impact through activities that are part of their core business strategies, and has been twice named to Fast Company’s annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about Flagship at www.flagshippioneering.com.
Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are 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.
Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: Flagship Pioneering and its affiliated Flagship Lab companies (collectively, “FSP”) do not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to FSP or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Flagship Pioneering’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of FSP, and FSP will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.