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- Tasks: Lead the development of an advanced materials discovery lab and improve key performance indicators.
- Company: Lila Sciences is a pioneering tech company transforming science with AI, backed by Flagship Pioneering.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment, access to cutting-edge technology, and opportunities for impactful work.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team reimagining science, where every voice matters and creativity thrives.
- Qualifications: PhD in materials science or related field; experience in project management and automation preferred.
- Other info: We value diverse backgrounds and encourage applicants with varying levels of experience to apply.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
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 realise unreasonable results. Join our mission-driven team and contribute to the future of science. Our Physical Sciences effort is developing a novel AI and data-driven approach to materials discovery and development to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy. 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
Lila Sciences is seeking a dedicated Director of Product Platform to join our team. In this role, you will be the Product lead for our Surfaces autonomous labs. You will set the roadmap for the future of this lab, work cross-functionally to own the development and delivery of the world’s most advanced materials discovery lab, and help improve KPIs to advance our mission.
Responsibilities include:
- Set the roadmap for the future Surfaces autonomous lab
- Collaborate across teams to define the product requirements for future automated science builds, including the build plan and science plan
- Ingest and distill opportunities for capability improvements & expansions from technical and operating teams
- Constantly seek to identify areas for improvement and serve as a conduit for feedback from operators of the lab to the builders of the lab in order to dramatically improve KPIs
- Project manage the overall build to ensure on-time completion
- Collaborate with domain contributors who own their own project plans to drive accountability
- Take on overall communication responsibilities for the status of the Surfaces build, including to executive leadership
- Once the lab is operational, monitor and report out progress of KPIs, resource allocations, and the balancing of priorities between model training and product development
Qualifications:
- Deep understanding of materials science or chemistry
- Highly collaborative and empathetic
- High degree of comfort with ambiguity and able to adapt to changing teams and needs
- Able to create small, achievable units of work from large, complex, and ambiguous goals
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying technical information to any audience
- Relentlessly output-focused—driven by impact against our mission and program goals, not by doing tasks, owning decisions, or being in meetings
- Able to influence without authority
- Familiarity with automation and lab robotics
Experience with managing extremely complex, multidisciplinary projects using project management best practices
PhD or equivalent in experimental work in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related field
Experience with experimental design, data acquisition, result interpretation, and implementation
Experience working with automation and controls in a relevant industry (chemicals, materials, etc)
[Nice to haves] Experience with automated/self-driving labs and experience working with (not necessarily having run) machine learning
Working at Lila, you would have access to advanced technology in the areas of:
- AI experimental design and simulation
- Automated custom instrumentation
- Generative molecular and material design
Flagship Pioneering and our ecosystem companies are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. At Flagship, we recognise there is no perfect candidate. If you have some of the experience listed above but not all, please apply anyway. Experience comes in many forms, skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. We are dedicated to building diverse and inclusive teams and look forward to learning more about your unique background.
Director, Platform Product employer: Lila Sciences
Contact Detail:
Lila Sciences Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Platform Product
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in AI and materials science. Understanding how these technologies are being applied in real-world scenarios will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who have experience in automated labs or project management. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration. Think of specific examples where you've successfully worked with diverse teams to achieve a common goal, as this aligns with Lila's emphasis on inclusivity and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your adaptability by sharing instances where you've thrived in ambiguous situations. Highlighting your ability to navigate uncertainty and pivot when necessary will resonate well with Lila's dynamic work environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Platform Product
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Culture: Lila Sciences values collaboration, inclusivity, and creativity. Make sure to reflect these qualities in your application by showcasing experiences where you worked in diverse teams or adapted to unstructured environments.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your experience in managing complex projects, particularly in materials science or chemistry. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams and improve KPIs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the mission of Lila Sciences. Discuss how your background aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to the development of their autonomous labs.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is crucial for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to convey technical information clearly to various audiences. This could include presentations, reports, or team collaborations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lila Sciences
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Given the emphasis on cross-functional collaboration at Lila Sciences, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully worked with diverse teams. Highlight your ability to listen, adapt, and incorporate feedback from various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
As a Director of Product Platform, you'll need to manage complex projects. Be ready to share specific instances where you've led multidisciplinary projects, detailing your approach to project management and how you ensured timely completion.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as you may need to convey complex information to non-technical audiences. Prepare to showcase your presentation skills during the interview.
✨Embrace Ambiguity and Change
Lila Sciences thrives in unstructured environments, so demonstrate your comfort with ambiguity. Share experiences where you've adapted to changing circumstances or requirements, and how you turned challenges into opportunities for improvement.
