Intern, Nanoparticle Synthesis

Your Impact at Lila

We are seeking a motivated intern to join our team in developing and optimizing automated nanoparticle synthesis workflows. The intern will plan and execute experiments across aqueous and non-aqueous chemistries, characterize the resulting materials, and use data-driven approaches to systematically improve synthesis outcomes. This is a hands-on role at the intersection of materials science, chemistry, and laboratory automation.

What You'll Be Building

• Plan and Optimize Experiments. Design and run iterative nanoparticle synthesis experiments using manual and automated platforms, using results from each round to guide the next and improve target properties.
• Work Across Chemistries. Develop and adapt synthesis protocols for both aqueous and non-aqueous nanoparticle systems.
• Characterize Materials. Collect and analyze characterization data to assess nanoparticle quality and track progress toward target specifications.
• Explore Synthesis Parameters. Systematically vary reaction conditions to understand how they affect nanoparticle synthesis outcomes.
• Document and Share Results. Maintain organized records of experiments and findings to support ongoing and future research efforts.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• B.S. in Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related field (in progress accepted), or an in-progress M.S./Ph.D. in the same fields.
• Familiarity with wet chemistry techniques and laboratory safety practices.
• Interest in nanoparticle synthesis and characterization methods.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain detailed experimental records.
• Effective communicator who can work collaboratively in a research team setting.

Bonus Points For

• Hands-on experience with nanoparticle or colloidal synthesis, including precursor preparation, reaction setup, and post-synthesis processing such as purification and ligand exchange.
• Experience with common characterization techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), or transmission electron microscopy (TEM), including sample preparation and data interpretation.
• Familiarity with design of experiments (DOE) or statistical analysis methods for systematically evaluating the effect of multiple variables on experimental outcomes.
• Familiarity with machine learning concepts and optimization methods such as Bayesian optimization (BO) for guiding experimental campaigns.
• Basic programming or scripting skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) for data analysis, visualization, and workflow automation.
• Experience with laboratory automation, liquid handling systems, or robotic platforms used in high-throughput experimentation.
• Comfort working with both aqueous and organic solvent-based chemistries, including handling of air-sensitive or moisture-sensitive reagents using Schlenk line or glovebox techniques.

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.

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.

Information you provide during your application process will be handled in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Policy.

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.