What are the responsibilities and job description for the Co-Op/Intern- Characterization, Electron Microscopy position at lila?
Spring 2026 Co-op/Internship Opportunity
We’re looking for motivated students to join our team starting in January/February 2026 for a spring co-op or internship. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop your skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. If you’re eager to learn and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you!
Company Summary
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.
Your Impact at Lila
As a PhD co-op or intern, you will support the development of advanced electron microscopy characterization workflows, with a focus on powdered materials and thin films. Collaborating closely with the Synthesis, Characterization, and ML teams, you'll help build the bridge between physical experimentation and AI-driven insight. Your work will play a crucial role in accelerating Lila’s materials discovery platform through high-quality data acquisition, method development, and experimental iteration.
What You'll Be Building
- Assist in the design and execution SEM/TEM-based characterization workflows across diverse chemistries and form factors.
- Operate electron microscopy equipment under supervision.
- Collaborate with experimental scientists and engineers to optimize protocols and inform downstream analysis.
- Troubleshoot workflows and instrumentation related to techniques.
- Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory records and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
What You’ll Need to Succeed
- Currently enrolled in a PhD in Materials Science, Physics, or related field
- Hands-on expertise with EDS, EBSD, FIB (Focused Ion Beam) and TEM imaging techniques
- Strong background in SEM/TEM-based microstructural analysis
- Experience characterizing powdered materials and thin films
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to operate and troubleshoot advanced EM systems
Bonus Points For
- Experience with image analysis tools (e.g., ImageJ, Python-based pipelines)
- Familiarity with additional techniques such as XRD or XRF
- Interest in automation and integration of microscopy with AI workflows
- Prior work characterizing nanoscale defects and interfaces
- Ability to troubleshoot advanced EM instrumentation independently
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.
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.
