Mecka AI
Autonomous Science Lead
$160K–$200K
New York · Hybrid · Full-time · Posted Oct 7, 2026
About the job
Leads scientific methods and laboratory operations to make automated experiments valid, reproducible, and dependable.
What you'll do
- Own experimental methods, protocols, controls, and scientific acceptance criteria.
- Develop and qualify automated workflows, instruments, labware, and related operations.
- Evaluate results and variability, troubleshoot systems, and improve reproducibility, throughput, manual effort, and cost.
What they ask for
- Substantial hands-on experimental work with ownership of methods, controls, reproducibility, and interpretation.
- Experience running automated laboratory operations, including instruments, resources, staffing, and quality procedures.
- Practical experience with AI and robotics in laboratory automation or experimental systems.
- Working knowledge of reinforcement learning and model evaluation.
Nice to have
- Experience building RL environments, robotic benchmarks, or model-evaluation tools.
- Scientific leadership in a contract research organisation, research core, or shared instrumentation facility.
Pay
$160K – $200K (base salary)
Tools
AI, robotics, reinforcement learning
AI focus
Applies AI, robotics, and reinforcement learning to laboratory automation and experimental systems; contributes to scientifically meaningful tasks and model assessments.
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative