Head of Chemistry

PhysicsX•New York, NY

7d•$200,000 - $300,000•Hybrid

About The Position

PhysicsX is a physics AI company for industrials, building simulation software to enable physics AI across the engineering lifecycle. Its chemistry and materials work spans sectors including semiconductors, electrochemistry, specialty and commodity chemicals, mining, and oil and gas. The company applies approaches ranging from density functional theory to AI-driven inverse problem solving, with simulations spanning atomistic to continuum scales. Its aim is to connect chemistry from atoms to devices, cells, reactors, and plants so customers can assess whether materials and processes meet performance requirements at industrial scale and within manufacturing constraints. The Head of Chemistry will build PhysicsX’s atoms-to-systems capability, connecting atomistic and molecular insight with continuum and systems-scale models. This person will own chemistry capabilities across the team and technology, set technical direction and standards, and lead the chemistry team across capability development and customer delivery. They will work with Product, Research, industry leads, Delivery leads, and customers to set the roadmap, productise functionality, support customer projects, and determine which capabilities to develop or adopt. The role includes deciding which machine-learning approaches for chemistry to build or adopt and how to connect them with continuum and systems-scale models; balancing capability development with customer work; and remaining hands-on on difficult technical problems. Performance is measured equally by customer success and adoption of new, distinctive capabilities. The position is available in the UK or US and requires travel to customer sites and PhysicsX offices averaging 3–4 weeks per quarter, including internationally.

Requirements

PhD in computational chemistry or computational materials science; alternatively, a PhD in a related field such as chemical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry, or applied physics, with substantial research in atomistic or multiscale modeling.
At least 6 years of deep technical work since completing the PhD, in industry or an industry-facing setting.
Hands-on depth in atomistic simulation and machine-learning interatomic potentials.
Working knowledge of other scales and techniques, including molecular, mesoscale, phase-field, reactive flow, and process simulation.
Ability to connect scales, including identifying quantities to carry from one scale to another and where a surrogate can replace a simulation.
Experience applying multiscale approaches to real industrial problems and direct experience in relevant industries.
Experience leading and growing a team of 5 or more technical specialists, setting research and capability direction, hiring, and developing team members.
Experience building a technical roadmap, prioritising it against competing demands, and owning its delivery.
Clear communication with leadership, Product, Research, Delivery, customers, and the team, including the ability to explain decisions, options, and constraints.
Credibility with both a technically deep team and senior leadership.
Willingness to travel to customer sites and PhysicsX offices for an average of 3–4 weeks per quarter, including internationally.

Nice To Haves

Direct industry experience in semiconductors, electrochemistry, or catalysis.
Recent experience at an AI-led materials company or start-up, setting technical direction in a developing field.
An entrepreneurial, build-oriented approach and experience leading and growing initiatives.
Comfort with ambiguity and a fast-changing environment, and motivation to take responsibility and accountability.

Responsibilities

Own chemistry capabilities at PhysicsX, covering both the team and the technology.
Set technical direction and standards for chemistry across the company.
Lead the chemistry team across capability development and customer delivery.
Direct development of chemistry capabilities, working with Product to productise functionality and with Research to advance chemistry and AI.
Partner with industry leads to shape a roadmap that delivers value to customers.
Work with Delivery leads to staff customer projects appropriately, support team members, and grow the team with suitable skill sets.
Act as the hiring manager for the chemistry team across both capability and customer streams.
Represent chemistry in conversations with prospective customers and work with industry leads and customers to identify needs and technical directions.
Decide which machine-learning approaches for chemistry to build or adopt and how to couple them with continuum and systems-scale models.
Balance capability development with time spent supporting customers.
Remain hands-on enough to work deeply with the team on difficult technical problems.
Travel to customer sites and PhysicsX offices, averaging 3–4 weeks per quarter, including internationally.

Benefits

Equity options.
5% contribution to a 401(k).
Free team lunch once per week.
Private health insurance.
Enhanced parental leave: 3 months of full-pay paternity leave and 6 months of full-pay maternity leave.
20 days of annual leave plus public holidays.
Dedicated personal development support.
Subsidized Gympass / Wellhub for the employee and up to three family members.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Hybrid working model combining time in the New York office with work-from-home days.