Future Chemistry-Chemical Synthesis Scientist-Shanghai Site

XtalPi Inc.; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 66,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

XtalPi is seeking overseas PhD talent in Chemistry to join our Shanghai-based Future Chemistry Division. This role blends synthetic chemistry expertise with cutting‑edge automation and AI technologies to shape intelligent chemical research and development.

You will design and execute automated synthesis plans, collaborate across AI R&D teams, and help advance automated platforms while ensuring data integrity and project delivery.

Qualifications

• PhD or higher in Chemistry or related fields; ability to design and conduct synthesis experiments.
• Strong project management and coordination skills; interest in automation within industry.
• Fluent in English and Chinese; able to adapt to fast-paced R&D environments.
• Active advocacy for automation and intelligent technologies in chemical synthesis.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop synthesis plans based on project requirements and complete automated synthesis delivery tasks on schedule while ensuring data integrity.
• Collaborate with Computational Chemistry and AI R&D teams to optimize experimental plans using algorithm predictions.
• Upgrade and iterate automated synthesis platforms, proposing improvements to boost throughput and stability.
• Prepare SOPs and experimental reports to standardize project documentation.
• Oversee daily operation, maintenance, and optimization of automated synthesis platforms for efficiency and quality.
• Manage projects and communicate with clients to ensure high-quality delivery and satisfaction.
• Identify environmental factors and hazards and implement control measures accordingly.

Skills

Project management

Automation enthusiasm

Teamwork

Bilingual English/Chinese

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry or related field

Job description

About XtalPi

XtalPi is an innovative technology platform company powered by artificial intelligence (Al) and robotics. Founded in 2015 on the MIT campus, XtalPi is dedicated to driving intelligent and digital transformation in the Life Sciences and new materials industries. With tightly interwoven quantum physics, Al, cloud computing, and large-scale clusters of robotic workstations, XtalPi offers a range of technology solutions, services, and products to accelerate and empower innovation for biopharmaceutical and new materials companies worldwide.

Future Chemistry

The XtalPi's Future Chemistry Division is the core execution team responsible for transforming traditional chemical synthesis through automation, AI, and intelligent technologies. The team’s mission is to evolve chemical synthesis from a labor-intensive, human-driven process into an intelligent workflow powered by robotics and algorithms, supporting XtalPi’s AI for Science strategy.

Position Overview

XtalPi is seeking overseas PhD talent in Chemistry and related disciplines to join our Shanghai-based Future Chemistry Division. This role offers a unique opportunity to combine synthetic chemistry expertise with cutting‑edge automation and AI technologies, helping shape the future of intelligent chemical research and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop synthesis plans based on project requirements, and complete automated synthesis delivery tasks on schedule while ensuring data integrity and traceability.
• Work closely with Computational Chemistry and AI R&D teams to optimize chemical experimental plans based on algorithm prediction results, and promote the practical application of intelligent synthesis technologies.
• Participate in the upgrade and iteration of automated synthesis platforms, propose technical improvement suggestions, and enhance platform throughput and stability.
• Prepare and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and experimental reports to ensure the standardization and reusability of project documentation.
• Be responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and process optimization of automated chemical synthesis platforms (such as integrated reaction and analysis systems, post-processing systems, etc.) to ensure synthesis efficiency and quality.
• Conduct efficient project management, communicate directly with clients, and maintain high-quality project delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Identify, assess, and update environmental factors and hazard sources within the area of responsibility of this position; implement required control measures for significant environmental factors/hazard sources identified by the company.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree or above in Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines; familiar with the principles of organic synthetic chemistry, capable of independently designing and conducting synthesis experiments, and possessing strong problem‑solving skills.
• Strong project management and coordination skills, as well as teamwork capabilities; interested in automation within the industry and able to actively advance automated synthesis‑related work.
• Fluent in both spoken and written Chinese and English, with clear logical thinking, strong independent problem‑solving abilities, and the ability to adapt to a fast‑paced R&D environment.
• Believe in and actively promote the application and advancement of automation and intelligent technologies in the field of chemical synthesis.