ASP Intern, Autonomous Electrochemistry at Lila Sciences · Cambridge

Summary: Lila Sciences is the world’s first scientific superintelligence platform and autonomous lab for life, chemistry, and materials science. They are seeking a motivated and innovative intern to join their electrochemistry team, where the successful candidate will develop and optimize automated electrochemical synthesis and testing workflows. This hands-on position involves designing and building custom prototypes, planning and executing experiments, and characterizing materials to enhance research outcomes. Responsibilities: - Utilize in-house additive manufacturing (3D FDM or SLA printing) or laser cutting to produce custom components - Source and integrate commercially available fittings, membranes, and sensors - Establish assembly SOPs to ensure reproducibility and safe handling of reactive materials - Design and conduct iterative electrochemical synthesis and testing experiments using both manual and automated platforms - Use results from each round to guide subsequent experiments and improve target properties - Develop and adapt synthesis, characterization, and testing protocols for both batch and flow electrochemical systems - Perform liquid and gas characterization of reactants and products to assess and track progress toward target specifications - Systematically vary experimental workflows and prototype optimizations to understand their impact on outcomes - Maintain organized records of experiments and findings to support ongoing and future research efforts Required Qualifications: - PhD, Master's degree, or current enrollment in Electrochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field - Hands-on experience with electrochemical testing techniques (e.g., CV, EIS, Chronotechniques, battery cycling, fuel-cell testing) and related analytical tools (e.g., liquid/gas FTIR, GC, HPLC, ICP, MS, NMR) - Demonstrated ability to plan and execute laboratory experiments safely and independently - Strong quantitative data analysis skills, particularly in Python Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with electrode modification strategies - Knowledge of heterogeneous and homogeneous electrochemistry - Familiarity with operando techniques for real-time analysis and monitoring - Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360) - Familiarity with additive manufacturing processes and post-processing - Experience designing flow-cells or custom electrochemical reactors - Knowledge of sealing strategies for aggressive electrolytes and high-temperature operations - Basic electronics or embedded-systems background for integrating sensors and control loops - Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain detailed experimental records - Effective communicator with the ability to work collaboratively in a research team setting Required Skills: Electrochemical testing techniques, Python Important Skills: 3D CAD software, Additive manufacturing Nice-to-Have Skills: Effective communicator