Computational Scientist (Catalysis)

Ready to join the AQ era?

SandboxAQ is solving challenging problems with AI + Quantum for positive impact. We partner with global leaders in government, academia, and the private sector to identify applications that would benefit from quantum-based applications to current and future commercial challenges. We engage with customers early and throughout the development process to improve market fit.

Our team’s unique approach enables cross-pollination across a diverse range of fields, from physics, computer science, neuroscience, mathematics, cryptography, natural sciences and more! Our success comes from coalescing diverse talent to create an environment where experimental thinking and collaboration yield breakthrough AI + Quantum solutions. Join a culture where thought leadership, diverse talent, employee engagement, and technological impact will create the next tech uproar.

We are deeply committed to education as a means to advance quantum solutions and computing initiatives. We invest in future talent through internship programs, research papers, developer tools, textbooks, educational talks/events and partnerships with universities/talent hubs to attract multi-disciplinary talent. Our hope is to inspire people from all walks of life to be prepared for the quantum era and encourage a path in STEM.

About the Role

In this role, you will be responsible for developing and deploying computational methods for the design and optimization of catalytic materials. You will work closely with a team of subject matter experts, computational scientists, software developers, and machine learning experts using an ensemble of state of art proprietary tools. Material domains include and are not limited to chemical manufacturing processes, energy solutions, and other industrial applications.  

Core Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of computational workflows simulating reactivity and dynamics of catalytic materials at atomic, mesoscale, and continuum scales. 
• Prepare reports, presentations, and publications to communicate research findings to internal, academic, and industry partners.
• Support business functions in materials science pre-sales customer technical diligence and proposals. 
• Support client engagements on the research and development of novel materials. 
• Collaborate with software engineering to improve efficiency and performance of discovery workflows.
• Mentor junior scientists and interns in computational methods, ensuring best research and software practices.

About You

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related discipline
• Extensive experience concerning in silico catalyst discovery (heterogeneous or homogeneous) and optimization with 1-4 years of post-PhD experience, including at least 1 year in an industry environment.
• Proven experience providing in silico support to experimental groups working on catalyst design and/or optimization, including microkinetic modeling.
• Hands-on experience in developing machine-learned force fields for materials discovery.
• Strong background in software development with Python, particularly for computational materials analysis, and experience implementing open-source packages in an HPC environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience or coursework in AI/ML.
• Experience developing software in an industrial setting as part of a software engineering team.
• Familiarity with software development best practices (e.g., Agile).
• Quick learner with the ability to adapt to emerging technologies, methodologies, and advancements in catalysis research.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is expected to be $150k-$245k per year. Our salary ranges are determined by role and level. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This role may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses and equity.

SandboxAQ welcomes all.

We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where we have zero tolerance for discrimination. We invest in our employees' personal and professional growth. Once you work with us, you can’t go back to normalcy because great breakthroughs come from great teams and we are the best in quantum technology.   We offer competitive salaries, stock options depending on employment type, generous learning opportunities, medical/dental/vision, family planning/fertility, PTO (summer and winter breaks), financial wellness resources, 401(k) plans, and more.    Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.   Accommodations: we provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in job application procedures for open roles. If you need such an accommodation, please let a member of our Recruiting team know.