Automation Software Engineer

The Company 

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 platform is integrating AI and automation into discovery and development efforts across materials and life sciences to accelerate solutions for sustainability and therapeutics challenges. 

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. 

Role:

Lila Sciences is seeking a skilled and dedicated Automation Software Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will focus on integrating advanced automation solutions within lab environments, enhancing data workflows, and optimizing operational efficiency. You will collaborate closely with both the Data & Compute Platform and ML/AI teams to build and refine a digital twin of the lab environment, ensuring seamless integration of lab instrumentation, environmental data, and automation tools. A key part of your responsibilities will involve shaping deployment strategies, including CI/CD pipelines for lab automation, and ensuring a robust chain of custody for all data and processes. 
 
Key Responsibilities: 

• Integrate automation systems with lab platforms, focusing on EMS, LIMS, and MES tools to streamline data flow, rather than setting them up from scratch. 
• Design and develop solutions for data capture, event listeners, and driver development across life and physical sciences. 
• Lead the development and refinement of a digital twin of the lab environment, modeling robotics, instrumentation, and environmental data for operational optimization. 
• Collaborate closely with both the ML/AI teams and the Data & Compute Platform team to ensure effective ingestion, transformation, and utilization of data from various lab sources. 
• Work with the Data & Compute Platform team to implement CI/CD pipelines and optimize the deployment strategy for lab automation solutions. 
• Maintain and enforce the chain of custody across data workflows to ensure security and traceability in automated processes. 
• Optimize automation processes to ensure continuous and efficient lab operations, minimizing downtime. 
• Explore and integrate VR tools to enhance lab automation and cross-functional collaboration. 

Qualifications: 

• Proven experience in automation software engineering within life and physical sciences. 
• Expertise in integrating diverse systems and tracking/managing data sources across lab environments. 
• Strong programming skills and proficiency in tools related to automation and lab data management. 
• Experience in building and refining digital twins, with the ability to model complex lab environments, instrumentation, and robotics. 
• In-depth knowledge of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), with experience in integrating these tools into broader platforms. 
• Experience collaborating closely with ML/AI teams to enhance data processing capabilities in an automated lab environment. 
• Familiarity with CI/CD practices and deployment strategies in a lab automation context. 
• Strong problem-solving skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to work independently in dynamic environments. 
• Willingness to travel for work assignments as needed. <