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Research Scientist, Thin Films

Periodic Labs· Science
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Menlo Park, CA$250k - $350kFull-timePosted 11mo ago

About the role

Research Scientist role focused on thin-film materials discovery and synthesis using advanced PVD platforms, collaborating with AI/compute teams and automation engineers to enable autonomous discovery loops.

Responsibilities

  • Develop synthesis strategies to realize novel thin-film materials predicted by AI
  • Determine and control crystal structures, defects, microstructures, and properties of previously unrealized compounds
  • Partner with AI and computation teams to build predictive models of materials growth and properties grounded in physics and chemistry
  • Work with engineers to design, test, and deploy automated growth and characterization hardware

Qualifications

  • PhD in chemistry, physics, or materials science, with 5+ years of hands-on experience
  • Deep expertise with thin-film synthesis methods such as sputtering, PLD, and MBE, with demonstrated experience and creativity across diverse chemistries
  • Strong skills in structural and chemical characterization, particularly of thin films and materials with structures or compositions never before realized experimentally — including diffraction, microscopy, and spectroscopy
  • Experience probing the optical, electronic, magnetic, thermal, and/or other properties of thin films
  • Proven record of collaboration with computational groups, especially for high-throughput materials discovery
  • Demonstrated commitment to laboratory safety and stewardship, with hands-on experience in hazardous chemistries
  • Strong track record of highly impactful research demonstrated by publications in top-tier journals and/or inventions, and recognized leadership in the field

Skills

Required:Thin-film synthesis methods (sputtering, PLD, MBE)Structural and chemical characterizationSafety and hazardous chemistry
Nice to have:Materials growth modelingAutomation collaboration
Last updated Oct 7, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Periodic Labs

From bits to atoms.

Periodic Labs is an artificial intelligence research company pioneering the next leap in scientific discovery. We operate at the intersection of machine learning and scientific experimentation under the thesis that that true understanding of the universe is only possible by interacting and experimenting on it.

artificial intelligencescientific discoverymachine learningscientific experimentation
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