As a Robotics Scientist at Lila, you will lead the research and development of autonomous robotic systems that serve as the intelligent physical infrastructure of our scientific superintelligence platform. You’ll develop novel algorithms and deploy intelligent robotic solutions that interact seamlessly with human scientists and complex lab environments. Your work will accelerate our mission by enabling fully autonomous workflows for scientific discovery, combining cutting-edge robotics, machine learning, and systems engineering. What You'll Be Building
Design and develop autonomous robotic systems for transport and workcell operations, integrating advanced path planning, navigation, and motion planning algorithms
Build production-grade mobile manipulation platforms leveraging ROS/ROS2 and modular robotic architectures
Advance robotic perception by integrating sensing modalities such as 3D vision, LIDAR, and tactile sensors to enable robust, adaptable task execution
Use simulation environments to model, test, and optimize task planning, scheduling, and robot behaviors in diverse lab scenarios
Collaborate with AI, mechanical, and software engineering teams to translate theoretical robotics research into real-world autonomous systems
What You’ll Need to Succeed
Ph.D. in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent research experience
Expertise in motion planning, path planning, and navigation for manipulation and mobile robotics
Proficiency with ROS/ROS2, C++, and Python, with hands-on experience building robotic systems in real-world environments
Deep understanding of perception systems and sensor integration (e.g., camera, LIDAR, tactile sensors)
Proven ability to take robotic systems from concept through to deployment
Bonus Points For
Experience with dual-arm mobile manipulation systems or other high-DOF robotic platforms
Familiarity with simulation tools such as Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or PyBullet
Background in machine learning for perception, control, or adaptive planning
Experience with real-time decision-making in human-robot collaboration scenarios
Strong publication or patent record in robotics, autonomy, or perception
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. Full-time U.S. employees receive a comprehensive benefits program including 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; and 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
$176,000—$304,000 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. If this sounds like an environment you'd love to work in, even if you don't meet every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. 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.
