Research Scientist, Thin Films

About Periodic Labs We’re an AI and physical sciences company building state-of-the-art models to accelerate breakthroughs across materials, energy, and beyond. Backed by world-class investors and growing rapidly, we operate at the pace the frontier requires. Our team brings deep expertise, genuine ownership, and an insatiable drive to push the boundaries of what’s scientifically possible.

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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

You Will Thrive in This Role If You Have

• 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

Especially Strong Candidates May Also Have

• Experience working in national user facilities such as synchrotrons or neutron sources

• Development of novel synthesis or characterization techniques

• Comfort with large experimental datasets and analysis pipelines

• Experience with automation and scripting in laboratory environments

Mechanics Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and training or experience

Location: Our lab is located in Menlo Park and we prefer folks to be located in Menlo Park or San Francisco but can be flexible based on role

Compensation: The annual base compensation range for this role is $225,000-325,000, commensurate with experience

Visa sponsorship: Yes, we sponsor visas and will do everything we can to assist in this process with our legal support.

We’re building a team of the world’s best — the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who don’t just follow the frontier, they define it. If you’re driven to bring AI to life in the physical world and make discoveries that have never been made before, you belong here.