← All roles

Head of Science, Permanent Magnets

SandboxAQ· AI Simulation
Apply on company site
Remote$224k - $420kFull-timePosted 3mo ago

About the role

Lead the scientific direction of SandboxAQ's Magnets vertical within the Chemical Simulation group. Define research strategy and roadmap, build and mentor a multidisciplinary team, and drive how computational materials discovery, simulation, and AI accelerate magnet development. Act as external scientific representative and coordinate with national labs, industry partners, and customers, shaping DBTL cycles and translating partner needs into actionable scientific programs.

Responsibilities

  • Own the scientific charter and technical roadmap for the Magnets vertical, including phase stability, magnetocrystalline anisotropy, finite-temperature coercivity, and microstructure engineering across Fe- and Co-based intermetallic systems with U.S.-accessible alloying elements.
  • IP Engine Management: Oversee the translation of generative design outputs into a robust IP portfolio, ensuring the team owns the most valuable "white space" in substrate chemistry and structural design.
  • Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of research scientists, computational/ML scientists, and postdocs; set the scientific bar, run technical reviews, and develop talent toward NewCo readiness.
  • Specify and prioritize the magnetism-aware LQM, datageneration, and multi-scale modeling capabilities required from the AISim platform; serve as the senior scientific counterpart to Platform Engineering and DataGen Research for this vertical.
  • Lead scientific engagement with national lab and industrial partners (e.g., NHMFL, domestic magnet producers, ASML, defense primes), translating partner constraints into well-posed scientific problems and delivering partner-grade results.
  • Architect the feedback loops between computational modeling and experimental lab validation to accelerate the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) cycle.
  • Work closely with the commercial team to identify buyers for our novel IP, structuring high-value licensing agreements and co-development partnerships.
  • Author the external scientific narrative of the vertical for quarterly updates, peer-reviewed publications, conferences, and prospective NewCo investors; protect scientific rigor and IP integrity throughout.

Qualifications

  • PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or a related discipline, with deep specialization in magnetism, intermetallics, or hard magnetic materials.
  • 7+ years of post-PhD experience leading scientific programs in magnetic materials, including significant industrial or national-lab leadership at the principal scientist, fellow, or director level.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate first-principles, multi-scale, and ML-driven modeling into manufacturable magnet formulations, including coupling to powder metallurgy, sintering, and heat-treatment processes.
  • Track record of building and leading multidisciplinary scientific teams and shaping research roadmaps that deliver against external commitments (industrial, government, or both).
  • Outstanding external scientific presence: publication and patent record, ability to represent the work to senior government, defense, and industrial audiences.

Skills

Required:PhD in Materials Science, Physics, or ChemistryLeadership of scientific programs

Benefits

  • Compensation: Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, plus equity and performance-based incentives.
  • Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; generous parental leave.
  • Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements, generous PTO, and a culture that respects focus time and recovery.
  • Career Development: Direct exposure to CHIPS Act-funded programs, senior scientific and executive leadership, mentorship, and dedicated learning budgets to support continued growth.
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About SandboxAQ

Transforming the World with AI and Advanced Computing

SandboxAQ leverages the compound effects of AI and advanced computing to address some of the biggest challenges impacting society. SandboxAQ technologies include AI simulation, cryptography management for cybersecurity, and AI sensing for global organizations.

AIquantumcybersecuritydrug discoverymaterials sciencemedical diagnosticsnavigation
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at SandboxAQ