Senior Application Scientist, Process Chemical Discovery

Remote · 3+ years experience · Full-time · Remote · Posted Sep 30, 2026

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The Senior Application Scientist serves as the scientific bridge between the generative chemistry discovery workflow and external partners validating candidate molecules.
This role focuses on developing PFAS-lean or PFAS-free substitutes for semiconductor process and fab materials.
The scientist ensures AI-driven workflow outputs are appropriate for target semiconductor use cases and grounded in real manufacturing constraints.

Support the partner validation loop by acting as a day-to-day scientific contact for co-development partners.
Translate partner problems into well-posed target specifications, constraints, and qualification criteria.
Operate the generative chemistry discovery workflow for assigned PFAS-substitution use cases.
Assess predicted compounds for chemical plausibility and use-case fit.
Rank candidate molecules to produce decision-ready shortlists for experimental validation.
Assess whether generative and simulation outputs are directionally and qualitatively correct for target semiconductor applications.
Check lead molecules against process, performance, and EHS constraints.
Translate partner validation results and experimental data into actionable technical improvement points.
Follow the incorporation of feedback through successive design cycles.
Align property targets, screening oracles, and reward objectives with internal dataset, computational chemistry, and ML teams.

PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
3+ years of post-PhD experience (or equivalent) in industrial or applied R&D.
Experience developing, formulating, or qualifying high-purity performance materials and formulations.
Familiarity with performance and EHS specifications governing qualification of process materials.
Experience bridging experiment and computation on application-driven projects with external partners.
Proficiency in Python sufficient to run and configure computational discovery workflows.
Comfort collaborating with generative-ML and physics-based simulation teams.
Familiarity with generative molecular design, high-throughput virtual screening, or ML property prediction.

Experience defining qualification protocols or reliability criteria jointly with fabs, OEMs, or chemical suppliers.
Direct, hands-on experience with PFAS phase-out or fluorine-free reformulation in a fab or specialty-chemicals setting.
Working knowledge of semiconductor unit processes such as lithography, etch, CMP, cleaning, or thermal management.
Track record of publications or patents in semiconductor materials, fluorochemistry, or PFAS alternatives.
Experience operating within a CHIPS Act or other federally funded R&D program.