Co-Op, Characterization Electrodeposited Material

About the Role

Lila Sciences is hiring a co-op to join the Materials Science team within the Autonomous Science Platform. Your focus will be on measurement, method development, and data quality for electrodeposited metal films.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop sample prep and measurement protocols for four-point probe, hardness testing, and SEM/EBSD.
• Prepare samples for SEM and EBSD (mounting, polishing, surface cleanup).
• Run four-point probe, laser confocal metrology, and hardness measurements.
• Analyze XRD data (phase ID, texture, peak shift, crystallite size) and EBSD data (grain size, orientation, texture).
• Validate measurement repeatability and establish data quality criteria.
• Analyze and visualize characterization data, then document methods and failure modes.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mechanical/Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience operating materials characterization instruments in a lab.
• Hands-on experience with hardness testing (micro- or nano-indentation, or others).
• Hands-on experience with metallographic or SEM sample prep.
• Experience analyzing XRD data.
• Working knowledge of thin films, metal microstructure, or surface metrology.
• Careful experimental technique and detailed record keeping.
• Available for the full Spring co-op term, January through May.

Bonus Points

• Master's or PhD candidates preferred.
• Python for data analysis and visualization.
• Experience analyzing EBSD data (e.g., MTEX, OIM, AZtec Crystal).
• Hands-on SEM and/or FIB experience.
• Direct experience with four-point probe, optical profilometry, or laser confocal systems.
• Familiarity with electrodeposited metals or electrochemical materials processing.
• Experience developing or qualifying a new measurement method (e.g., gauge R&R).
• Exposure to automated or high-throughput laboratory workflows.