Research Scientist, Thin Films

About Periodic Labs

We are an AI + physical sciences lab building state of the art models to make novel scientific discoveries. We are well funded and growing rapidly. Team members are owners who identify and solve problems without boundaries or bureaucracy. We eagerly learn new tools and new science to push forward our mission.

About the Role

Join a world-class team of scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of materials research in a groundbreaking lab where AI and automation unlock discoveries at unprecedented speed and scale.

As a Research Scientist in Thin Film Materials Discovery, you will lead thin-film synthesis efforts using advanced PVD platforms, building the experimental foundation for autonomous discovery loops. You will collaborate with computational and AI scientists, and partner with engineers designing next-generation automated laboratory infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Grow: Develop synthesis strategies to realize novel thin-film materials predicted by AI.

• Characterize: Determine and control crystal structures, defects, microstructures, and properties of previously unrealized compounds.

• Analyze: Partner with AI and computation teams to build predictive models of materials growth and properties grounded in physics and chemistry.

• Automate: 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 (diffraction, microscopy, 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 performing highly impactful research, demonstrated by publications in top tier journals and/or inventions, and recognized leadership in the field

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience working in national user facilities (synchrotrons, neutron sources, etc.).

• Development of novel synthesis or characterization techniques.

• Comfort with large experimental datasets and analysis pipelines.

• Experience with automation and scripting in laboratory environments.