Materials Scientist

The Team
You will be joining a team of scientists and engineers working at the cutting edge of novel materials science at the intersection of AI and materials discovery. As a member of the Materials and Physical Sciences lab, part of the distinguished Design Kitchen at X, you will interface with projects and investigations of all stages and solve problems ranging from scrappy prototyping to scaling up existing technologies to production level.

The Role
This is a fixed term 1 year role, with the potential to convert to full time. In this role you will be responsible for interfacing with a cross-functional team of Chemists, Physicists, Biologists, Engineers, and Designers to create high value solutions for X’s nascent investigations and mature projects alike. You’ll help identify new opportunities and lean into solving some of the unsolved grand challenges existing in the materials space.

How You Will Make a 10x Impact

• Drive innovation in materials synthesis, characterization and testing
• Collaborate with AI/ML scientists to bring to life materials designed to solve the highest impact problems facing the world
• Plan and execute complex and novel experimental programs
• Design, build and operate novel materials synthesis equipment

What You Should Have

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or similar practical experience
• 5+ years of industry experience
• A strong background working on solid state synthesis and metallurgy
• Experience in materials synthesis across multiple techniques including solid state synthesis, sol-gels, thin film deposition, electrochemistry and similar
• Experience with advanced high-pressure apparatus, including but not limited to, diamond anvil cells, large-volume presses, and hydrothermal reactors
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly prototype and evaluate novel materials synthesis techniques in a fast-paced environment, applying creative solutions to complex technical challenges
• A strong drive to perform hands-on experimentation and get your hands dirty solving problems
• A willingness to innovate and look for novel solutions
• Strong analytical skills and experience working with a broad suite of instruments including but not limited to: XRD, XRF, SEM, EDS, FTIR, Ellipsometry and similar

It Would Be Great If You Also Had

• Experience working at a Startup
• 10+ years innovating in the materials science space
• Experience working in a microfab lab
• Proficiency programming in python and LabVIEW
• Experience with laboratory automation, and automating traditionally manual low throughput processes

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $147,000 - $228,000 + bonus + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.