🚀 About Lila
Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. We are pioneering a new age of boundless discovery by building the capabilities to apply AI to every aspect of the scientific method. We are introducing scientific superintelligence to solve humankind's greatest challenges, enabling scientists to bring forth solutions in human health, climate, and sustainability at a pace and scale never experienced before. Learn more about this mission at www.lila.ai
If this sounds like an environment you’d love to work in, even if you only have some of the experience listed below, we encourage you to apply.
🌟 Your Impact at Lila
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Scientist specializing in RNA Oligonucleotide Chemistry to help build out Lila’s internal capabilities for the synthesis, purification, and modification of RNA-based molecules (including microRNAs (miRNAs) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)). In this lab-based role, you will be the subject matter expert for RNA oligonucleotide synthesis, leading the development of in-house oligonucleotide production workflows. You will work hands-on to establish our internal oligonucleotide platform – from solid-phase synthesis through purification and analytical characterization – to support a broad range of therapeutic and discovery programs. The ideal candidate has deep, hands-on experience in RNA oligonucleotide chemistry (particularly solid-phase synthesis) and can drive scientific and technical programs to build this capability, all while collaborating in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment. This is a senior individual-contributor role (no direct staff management required) that offers the opportunity to shape Lila’s oligonucleotide chemistry platform from the ground up.
🛠️ What You'll Be Building
- Develop and optimize in-house oligonucleotide synthesis workflows: Establish robust solid-phase synthesis processes for a variety of RNA molecules (e.g., microRNAs, ASOs), including protocol development for coupling, capping, deprotection, and cleavage steps.
- Purification and analysis of oligonucleotides: Implement and refine high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods (reverse-phase, ion-exchange, etc.) for purification of synthesized oligonucleotides, and perform analytical characterization (e.g., LC-MS, UV/Vis spectroscopy, gel electrophoresis) to confirm identity, purity, and quality of the products.
- Oligonucleotide modification and innovation: Design and execute strategies to chemically modify RNA oligonucleotides (such as backbone or sugar modifications, conjugation of ligands/labels, or novel chemistries) to enhance stability, delivery, or functionality as needed by research programs; continuously evaluate emerging oligonucleotide technologies and incorporate improvements into the platform.
- Lab operations and process optimization: Oversee oligonucleotide chemistry lab operations, including maintenance and calibration of synthesis and analytical instruments, development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and enforcement of rigorous quality control standards; troubleshoot and refine synthesis/purification processes to continually improve yield, efficiency, and scalability.
- Scientific leadership and knowledge sharing: Serve as the internal expert on RNA oligonucleotide chemistry – lead technical discussions, present results and recommendations to stakeholders, and mentor junior scientists in oligonucleotide synthesis and purification best practices (while this role has no direct people management, a collaborative leadership mindset is expected).
🧰 What You’ll Need to Succeed
- Advanced degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field: Ph.D. with 3–5+ years of relevant industry experience in oligonucleotide chemistry – or – M.Sc. with 7+ years of extensive industry experience in nucleic acid chemistry. A strong track record in RNA or DNA oligonucleotide production is essential.
- Expertise in solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis: Deep hands-on experience synthesizing oligonucleotides (ideally RNA) using automated solid-phase synthesis platforms. Proficiency with nucleoside phosphoramidite chemistry is required.
- Proficiency in purification and analytical techniques: Demonstrated skill in purifying nucleic acids using HPLC and in analyzing oligonucleotides with techniques such as LC-MS, capillary electrophoresis, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Ability to interpret analytical data to assess product quality and inform process optimizations.
- Strong knowledge of oligonucleotide modifications: In-depth understanding of chemical modifications commonly used in therapeutic oligonucleotides (e.g., 2’ sugar modifications, phosphorothioate backbones, conjugation to lipids or peptides, fluorescent labels). Experience improving stability or delivery of oligonucleotides through chemistry is a plus.
- Problem-solving and project leadership: Proven ability to design experiments, troubleshoot complex synthetic chemistry issues, and optimize protocols. Experience leading or independently executing R&D projects in a laboratory setting with a results-oriented approach.
- Collaboration and communication skills: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across interdisciplinary teams. Strong written and oral communication skills for documenting procedures and presenting results.
- Adaptability and initiative: Energetic self-starter who can thrive in a fast-paced, startup-like environment. Highly organized, attentive to detail, and capable of managing multiple priorities. A passion for innovation and a team-first mentality are essential.
✨ Bonus Points For
- Building oligonucleotide capabilities: Experience in setting up or significantly expanding an oligonucleotide synthesis facility or platform (for example, bringing oligo production in-house or scaling up manufacturing).
- Automation and high-throughput exposure: Familiarity with laboratory automation systems or high-throughput oligonucleotide synthesizers. Experience integrating robotics or advanced software to streamline synthesis or purification workflows.
- Advanced nucleic acid modalities: Experience with other nucleotide-based therapeutics or research tools (e.g., siRNA, guide RNAs for CRISPR, mRNA, or novel ASO chemistries). Understanding of the drug development process for oligonucleotide therapeutics is a plus.
- Bioconjugation skills: Hands-on experience conjugating oligonucleotides to other molecules (such as small molecules, lipids, peptides, or polymers) and a solid grasp of bioconjugation techniques.
- Documentation and mentoring: Demonstrated ability to write clear SOPs, technical protocols, and reports. Experience training or mentoring colleagues in laboratory techniques and best practices.
- Continuous learning mindset: Up-to-date knowledge of recent advancements in oligonucleotide chemistry, synthesis technology, and analytical methods. Enthusiasm for adopting new techniques or tools to enhance platform capabilities.
🌈 We’re All In
Lila Sciences is 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.
🤝 A Note to Agencies
Lila Sciences does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to Lila Sciences or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by Lila Science’s internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of Lila Sciences, and Lila Sciences will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.
