Tax Director (or Senior Director, depending on experience)

About LILA

Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges. We believe science is the સૌથી 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.

Your Impact

LILA Sciences is seeking a Tax Director (or Senior Director, depending on experience) to build and lead our tax function. As a foundational hire — the first dedicated tax leader at LILA — you will establish our tax strategy, infrastructure, and ongoing compliance across federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions. You will work hand-in-hand with Finance, Legal, and the executive team to ensure our tax position is optimized, compliant, and aligned with our long-term goals. This is a high-impact, high-ownership role where you'll have the opportunity to shape the function from the ground up while contributing to the company's strategic direction.

What You'll Be Building

• Own end-to-end U.S. and international tax compliance and reporting — federal, state, local, income, sales & use, and R&D credits — and manage all related filings.
• Develop and execute LILA's tax planning strategy, optimizing the effective tax rate (ETR) while supporting the company's growth, capital structure, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead all aspects of ASC 740 income tax accounting — provisions, deferred tax, and uncertain tax positions — and manage relationships with external tax advisors and auditors.
• Partner with Finance, Accounting, and Legal on the tax implications of M&A, equity rounds, equity compensation, intercompany transactions, and major vendor agreements.
• Build scalable tax infrastructure (systems, controls, documentation, advisor network) and advise on international tax matters including transfer pricing, GILTI, and FDII.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and serve as a cross-functional partner to Legal, People Ops, Supply Chain, and Finance — translating complex tax matters for non-tax stakeholders.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• 8+ years of progressive tax experience, including a mix of Big 4 and/or in-house tax leadership at high-growth technology or life sciences companies.
• Deep expertise in U.S. federal and multi-state corporate income tax, with meaningful exposure to international tax.
• Strong working knowledge of ASC 740 and GAAP-compliant tax accounting.
• Demonstrated track record of building or significantly improving in-house tax functions, processes, and controls in a scaling environment.
• Experience advising on complex transactions — equity rounds, M&A, and strategic partnerships — from a tax perspective.
• Excellent judgment and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex tax matters for non-tax stakeholders.
• CPA required.

Bonus Points For

• Advanced degree (MST, LLM, or JD).
• Biotech, life sciences, or AI-tech experience with significant R&D operations.
• Familiarity with R&D tax credits (IRC Section 41).
• Experience with equity compensation tax matters (ISO/NSO, 83(b), QSBS).
• International tax experience including transfer pricing documentation.

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. salary ranges apply only to U.S.-based positions; international salaries are set to local market.

Expected Base Salary Range $168,000 — $272,000 USD

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

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.