Computational Scientist – AI & Materials in Cambridge

Computational Scientist – AI & Materials in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 81000 - 99000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Quantum Formatics

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our R&D team to develop AI-accelerated superconductor discovery algorithms.
  • Company: Innovative tech company at MIT's tough tech incubator, focused on impactful science.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, equity ownership, unlimited PTO, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with clear paths for leadership and growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of materials science and make a real-world impact.
  • Qualifications: Ph.D. in relevant field with experience in AI and materials discovery.

The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.

About the Role

We are seeking a Computational Scientist to join our R&D team and contribute directly to the continued development of our AI-accelerated superconductor discovery algorithm.

You will implement methods for direct structure property predction.

Your day-to-day work will span developing and training graph neural network models for materials property prediction, evaluating and integrating state-of-the-art machine learning interatomic potentials, and developing benchmarks to validate model performance against experimental data.

You will collaborate closely with our Lead Scientist, as well as with experimental collaborators who synthesize and characterize the materials your models identify.

That loop, from prediction to synthesis to characterization and back into model improvement, is the core of what we do.

This is a foundational hire.

As the team and the discovery pipeline grow, this role has a clear path toward technical leadership, with the opportunity to shape the direction of our computational platform and mentor and lead future team members.

About you (strongly preferred)

  • Ph.

D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Computer Science, or a closely related field, with a strong focus on atomistic modeling, AI-accelerated materials discovery, or condensed matter physics or relevant research experience.

  • At least 3 years of research experience in AI for materials discovery, computational materials science, or a closely related domain.
  • Experience with graph neural networks for materials property prediction.
  • Familiarity with density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations.
  • Experience training and evaluating machine learning models for scientific applications, with proficiency in Python and Py Torch.
  • Familiarity with high-performance computing environments and managing computational workflows at scale.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret large, complex datasets generated from simulations and experiments
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical ideas clearly, and work effectively in a small, interdisciplinary team.
  • Pluses
  • Familiarity with equivariant architectures (e. g., e3NN).
  • Familiarity with Quantum Espresso or similar DFT codes for electron-phonon calculations and phonon property prediction.
  • Experience with machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs)
  • Experience with generative models for crystal structure generation (flow matching, diffusion models, or related architectures).
  • Understanding of BCS theory, Eliashberg theory, and the physics of electron-phonon superconductors.
  • Experience in Fortran and/or C .

What We Offer

  • Real agency and real impact.

At our size, every team member shapes the trajectory of the company.

You will work directly with the CEO and CSO on decisions that define our discovery roadmap.

The materials you help identify will move from your simulations to synthesis to commercial products that power fusion reactors, MRI systems, and energy infrastructure.

  • A genuinely collaborative, mission-driven team.

We are scientists who care about impact, not publicity.

We work in an environment where ideas are heard, collaboration is the default, and everyone has a stake in the outcome.

  • A flexible, hybrid work environment based at The Engine, MIT’s tough tech incubator, located in the heart of Kendall Square.

Easily accessible by public transit and surrounded by one of the most vibrant innovation communities in the world.

  • Competitive salary based on experience level and cost-of-living in Cambridge, MA, plus meaningful equity ownership.
  • Employee sponsored benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k).
  • Unlimited paid time off (PTO): minimum three weeks, federal holidays, and a company-wide closure between Christmas and New Years to support work-life balance.
  • Relocation reimbursement for candidates moving to the Boston/Cambridge area.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Computational Scientist – AI & Materials in Cambridge employer: Quantum Formatics

Join a pioneering team at the forefront of AI-accelerated materials discovery, where your contributions will directly influence groundbreaking advancements in superconductors. With a flexible hybrid work environment at The Engine, MIT’s tough tech incubator, you will collaborate with passionate scientists in a culture that values impact over publicity, while enjoying competitive compensation, unlimited PTO, and opportunities for professional growth and leadership. This is not just a job; it's a chance to shape the future of technology in a vibrant innovation hub.

Quantum Formatics

Contact Details:

Quantum Formatics Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Computational Scientist – AI & Materials in Cambridge

Get Involved in Research Communities

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Show Off Your Research Projects

Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Quantum Formatics, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.

Utilise Professional Networks

Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.

Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly

Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Quantum Formatics. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!

We think you need these skills to ace Computational Scientist – AI & Materials in Cambridge

Graph Neural Networks
Materials Property Prediction
Density Functional Theory
Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Machine Learning Model Training and Evaluation
Python
PyTorch

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Quantum Formatics. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.

Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.

Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Quantum Formatics. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!

How to prepare for a job interview at Quantum Formatics

Showcase Your Research Skills

In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Quantum Formatics. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.

Know Your Publications

If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.

Exhibit Your Team Spirit

In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Quantum Formatics to drive research projects forward.