Platform Scientist, Soft Materials
$108,000–$150,000 year
On-siteCambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Job Summary
Ideate, prototype, and transfer new experimental concepts for AI Science Factories targeting complex soft material systems. Collaborate with chemistry, materials, and AI teams to define approaches to formulation, structure–property relationships, and performance evaluation. Lead development of characterization workflows leveraging SAXS, SANS, rheology, and functional assays while designing custom apparatus, experimental methods, and software tools. Refine processes connecting structure, dynamics, and performance across scales to enable autonomous experimentation within the LILA AI Science Factory platform.
Required Qualifications
- MS or PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on soft or complex materials
- Demonstrated experience collaborating across scientific disciplines to generate and refine experimental concepts
- Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: SAXS, SANS, rheology, formulation performance or functional assays
- Experience designing and implementing custom experimental workflows and/or scientific software
- Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, C++, or similar) applied to data analysis, automation, or experiment control
- Excellent communication skills and comfort operating in a fast-paced, exploratory R&D environment
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with lab automation, high-throughput experimentation, or instrument control software
- Background in formulation science (e.g., consumer products, coatings, energy materials, bio-soft matter)
- Experience linking scattering, rheological, and performance data to predictive or ML-driven models
- Familiarity with prototyping tools such as 3D printing, machining, microfluidics, or custom sample environments
- Industry or national lab experience working on soft materials or complex fluids
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