Scientist I/II, Characterization and Composition Analysis
Hybrid (Cambridge, MA)$108k - $170kfull-timePosted 1mo ago
About the role
Scientist I/II, Characterization and Composition Analysis in the Materials Science team within the Autonomous Science Platform. Focused on turning elemental measurements into trusted, machine-readable composition data, combining hands-on characterization with analyzer software development to support automated workflows, model development, and data quality at scale.
Responsibilities
- Own data quality and integrity for elemental and materials characterization workflows.
- Develop XRF, EDS, and WDS methods, calibrations, and QC procedures.
- Prepare standards, run samples, interpret spectra, and troubleshoot measurement issues.
- Lead investigations for anomalous or out-of-specification data and determine data validity.
- Design, write, and maintain analyzer software for spectral processing and quantification in partnership with machine learning team.
- Build automated data ingestion, metadata, provenance, and quality-control workflows.
- Maintain instrument readiness through calibration, documentation, SOPs, and troubleshooting.
- Support safe operation of general materials characterization workflows (profilometry, XRD, SEM).
- Help evaluate, bring online, and develop methods for new analytical detectors as we expand characterization capability.
- Collaborate with hardware, automation, AI, and software teams to scale trusted data generation.
Qualifications
- PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or a related field, or M.S. with equivalent hands-on characterization experience.
- Hands-on experience with XRF, SEM-EDS, and WDS for elemental analysis.
- In-depth knowledge of the physical principles behind XRF, EDS, and WDS analysis, including signal generation, matrix effects, calibration, quantification, and common sources of error.
- Strong understanding of calibration, quantification, spectral interpretation, and data-quality control.
- Experience preparing standards, validating methods, and troubleshooting measurement issues.
- Experience writing analysis notebook and maintaining shared, tested code in a version-controlled codebase.
- Proficiency with Python or an equivalent coding environment for data analysis, automation, or analyzer development.
- Ability to translate characterization workflows into reliable, structured, machine-readable data.
- Clear communication skills for working across scientific, AI, automation, and software teams.
Skills
Required:XRFSEM-EDSWDSCalibration and QCPythonData and metadata managementCommunication
Benefits
- comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; flexible time off with generous holidays; paid parental leave; educational assistance program; commuter benefits; subsidized lunch program.
Last updated Sep 16, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About Lila Sciences
Pioneering Scientific Superintelligence
Pioneering Scientific Superintelligence to solve humankind’s greatest challenges.
Scientific SuperintelligenceAIAutonomous LabsLife SciencesChemical SciencesMaterials Sciences
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