AI Science – Chemistry Lead

Level: Lead / Individual Contributor initially

We are looking for a Chemistry Lead with a strong background in synthetic chemistry to drive AI for Science initiatives at our newly established North American office in Boston.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in chemical synthesis
, with expertise in either small-molecule or large-molecule synthesis
. You will work closely with AI/ML researchers, computational scientists, and engineering teams to translate real-world chemistry challenges into AI-driven solutions and next-generation scientific workflows.

As the North American team is at an early stage, this position will initially be a hands-on IC leadership role
, with significant scientific ownership and close interaction with the CEO. As the organization grows, the role will evolve into a team leadership position
, with responsibility for building and managing a local chemistry/science team.

This is an opportunity for a scientist who is passionate about the intersection of chemistry, AI, and scientific discovery and wants to play a foundational role in building the company's North American scientific capabilities.

• Lead chemistry-focused AI for Science / AI4
  
  Chemistry projects
  , leveraging expertise in synthetic chemistry to identify and solve high-impact scientific problems.
• Design, develop, and optimize synthetic chemistry workflows for small molecules and/or large molecules.
• Work closely with AI/ML and computational teams to translate chemistry problems into data-driven and AI-enabled solutions
  .
• Identify opportunities to apply machine learning, generative models, optimization, automated experimentation, and other computational approaches to chemical synthesis.
• Contribute scientific expertise to problems such as reaction prediction, reaction optimization, retrosynthetic analysis, molecular design, synthesis planning, and design of experiments (DoE).
• Evaluate experimental and computational results and provide scientific direction for model and workflow development.
• Help establish chemistry research methodologies, experimental workflows, data standards, and best practices for the North American team.
• Collaborate with internal and external scientific partners, customers, and research institutions where appropriate.
• Communicate scientific findings through technical reports, presentations, publications, and other scientific outputs.
• Initially operate as a hands-on individual contributor and technical lead
  , while taking increasing responsibility for hiring, mentoring, and managing chemistry/science team members as the organization grows.

• PhD or equivalent advanced degree in Organic Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering
  , or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience in chemical synthesis
  , with expertise in either small-molecule or large-molecule synthesis
  .
• Solid understanding of synthetic chemistry principles, reaction mechanisms, experimental design, reaction optimization, and chemical characterization.
• 5+ years of relevant research or industry experience preferred.
• Experience working on chemistry problems in pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, materials, or related R&D environments
  .
• Strong scientific problem-solving skills and the ability to independently design and execute research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines and communicate effectively with AI/ML researchers, computational scientists, and engineers
  .
• Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Highly self-motivated, intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in an early-stage / entrepreneurial environment
  .
• Willingness to initially work as an IC while taking ownership of building the chemistry function and eventually leading a team.
• Willingness to travel internationally for research collaborations, training, conferences, and business activities.

• Previous experience in AI for Science, AI4
  
  Chemistry, computational chemistry, machine learning, or data-driven chemistry
  .
• Experience applying AI/ML to chemical synthesis, molecular design, reaction prediction, retrosynthesis, reaction optimization, or DoE
  .
• Familiarity with Python, cheminformatics tools, molecular representations, or computational chemistry workflows
  .
• Experience with automated synthesis, robotics, high-throughput experimentation, self-driving laboratories, or…