At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy and execution of Lila’s Materials Science AISF program.
- Company: Join Lila Sciences, a pioneer in AI-driven scientific discovery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, flexible time off, and comprehensive health coverage.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for rapid career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in materials science with cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in materials science or related field with industry experience required.
Your Impact at LILA
We are looking for a Program Lead to own strategy and execution for Lila’s Materials Science AISF program.
This role defines how and when the program delivers against Product, Science, and AI priorities, then turns that strategy into clear charters, budgets, timelines, and execution plans.
Materials Science AISFs span vacuum synthesis, characterization, electrochemistry, nanoporous materials, and physics.
The Program Lead will connect deep domain expertise, platform strategy, and cross-functional execution to expand the experimental systems that help AI learn materials science at scale.
This role reports to John Gregoire and partners closely with Product, AISF Engineering, Materials Experiment, Scientific Programs, and technical leadership.
Success requires clear strategy, decisive execution, and the ability to align teams around complex, high-impact platform priorities.
- What You'll Be Building
- Own the Materials Science AISF program strategy, charter, budget, timeline, and success criteria.
- Translate Product, Science, and AI priorities into executable program plans.
- Build the roadmap for expanding Materials Science AISF capabilities across synthesis, characterization, and closed-loop AI guidance.
- Evaluate proof-of-concept results from Scientific Programs and design pathways for platform integration.
- Form, align, and advise cross-functional project teams executing the Materials Science AISF strategy.
- Resolve resourcing, prioritization, and execution risks in partnership with Product and portfolio leads.
- Represent Materials Science AISF strategy, status, risks, and decisions in technical leadership reviews.
- What You'll Need to Succeed
- Ph D or equivalent experience in materials science, condensed matter physics, chemistry, or a closely related field, with industry research experience.
- Track record leading complex, multidisciplinary experimental programs.
- Familiarity with Materials Science AISF domains such as vacuum synthesis, characterization, electrochemistry, or nanoporous systems.
- Experience defining and managing technical roadmaps with real resource, budget, and timeline constraints.
- Strong written and verbal communication, with the ability to translate technical depth into strategic clarity.
- Experience leading through influence across matrixed, cross-functional teams.
- Bonus Points For
- Experience with automated or high-throughput experimental platforms, robotics, or lab automation.
- Familiarity with AI/ML-driven experimental design, Bayesian optimization, or closed-loop materials discovery.
- Exposure to atomistic simulation methods and their relationship to experimental programs.
- Experience in a fast-paced research environment such as a national lab, advanced materials startup, or deep-tech company.
- Experience working across shared resources and multiple concurrent programs.
Compensation
We offer competitive base compensation with bonus potential and generous early-stage equity. Your final offer will reflect your background, expertise, and expected impact.
U. S. Benefits.
- medical, dental, and vision coverage
- employer-paid life and disability insurance
- flexible time off with generous company wide holidays
- paid parental leave
- an educational assistance program
- commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office based employees
- a company subsidized lunch program
International Benefits.
- Full‑time employees outside the U. S. receive a comprehensive benefits program tailored to their region
- USD salary ranges apply only to U. S.-based positions
- international salaries are set to local market
- Expected Base Salary Range: $320,000 — $380,000 USD
- About LILA
Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence to solve humankind's greatest challenges.
We believe science is the most inspiring frontier for AI.
Rather than hard‑coding expert knowledge into tools, LILA builds systems that can learn for themselves.
LILA combines advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory instruments into an operating system for science that executes the entire scientific method autonomously, accelerating discovery at unprecedented speed, scale, and impact across medicine, materials, and energy.
Learn more at www. lila. ai.
Guided by our core values of truth, trust, curiosity, grit, and velocity, we move with startup speed while tackling problems of historic importance.
We’re All In
Lila Sciences iscommitted to equal employment opportunityregardless 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.
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Director, Materials AISF Program Lead in Cambridge employer: Lilasciences
At Lila Sciences, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Senior Principal or Principal Software Engineer in our AI Lab Execution System team, you will have the opportunity to lead cutting-edge projects that directly impact scientific discovery while enjoying comprehensive benefits, flexible time off, and a commitment to employee growth through mentorship and educational assistance. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions will shape the future of AI in science, all while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to solving humanity's greatest challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Materials AISF Program Lead in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Lilasciences, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Lilasciences. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Materials AISF Program Lead in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Lilasciences. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Lilasciences. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lilasciences
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Lilasciences. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Lilasciences to drive research projects forward.
