STEM Expert – Chemistry & Computational Chemistry (PhD)

Confidential; United States; A distancia; USD 83.000 - 165.000; A tiempo parcial

Descripción de la vacante

Zekai is seeking a STEM Expert in Chemistry & Computational Chemistry (PhD) for a remote, worldwide contractor role. You will help train AI systems by shaping models with high-quality, real-world input.

Design and evaluate chemistry and computational workflows, provide expert insights on reaction mechanisms and molecular simulations, and document methodologies to ensure reproducibility and knowledge transfer across teams.

Formación

• PhD in chemistry or closely related field.
• Hands-on wet lab or simulation-heavy research experience.
• Proficiency in Python and/or standard subfield tools (Gaussian/ORCA/Psi4/GROMACS/LAMMPS/RDKit).
• Excellent quantitative and analytical reasoning.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Track record of solving complex chemistry problems.

Responsabilidades

• Design, evaluate, and critique chemistry and computational chemistry problems and workflows.
• Provide expert insights on reaction mechanisms, synthesis planning, spectroscopy, and simulations.
• Assess and optimize experimental protocols and software configurations for reproducibility.
• Analyze chemical, spectroscopic, and simulation data; provide actionable recommendations.
• Guide development and validation of chemistry-related AI models and tools.
• Communicate complex concepts clearly to technical and non-technical collaborators.
• Document findings, methodologies, and best practices for knowledge transfer.

Conocimientos

PhD in chemistry

Lab experience

Python

Analytical thinking

Scientific communication

Problem solving

Educación

PhD in chemistry or closely related field

Herramientas

Gaussian

ORCA

Psi4

GROMACS

LAMMPS

RDKit

Descripción del empleo

Role Title: STEM Expert - Chemistry & Computational Chemistry (PhD)

Role Type: Contractor

Location: Remote (Worldwide)

Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, evaluate, and critique chemistry and computational chemistry problems, workflows, and reasoning chains to support AI benchmarking initiatives.
• Provide expert-level insights on reaction mechanisms, synthesis planning, spectroscopy analysis, molecular simulations, and electronic structure methods.
• Assess and optimize experimental protocols, simulation parameters, and software configurations for accuracy and reproducibility.
• Analyze chemical, spectroscopic, and simulation data and provide actionable recommendations.
• Leverage domain knowledge to guide the development and validation of chemistry-related AI models and tools.
• Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly, both in writing and verbally, to technical and non-technical collaborators.
• Document findings, methodologies, and best practices to ensure knowledge transfer across the customer's team.

Areas of Expertise (we welcome applicants from any of the following):

• Organic synthesis & reaction mechanisms
• Inorganic & organometallic chemistry
• Physical & theoretical chemistry
• Analytical chemistry & spectroscopy
• Computational chemistry & molecular dynamics
• Cheminformatics & drug discovery
• Materials science & polymer chemistry

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• PhD in chemistry, computational chemistry, chemical biology, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Hands-on research lab experience, including wet lab experience for experimental subfields, or extensive simulation-heavy research for computational subfields.
• Deep expertise in at least one of the areas listed above.
• Professional written and spoken English (C1 or higher).
• Proficiency in Python and/or industry-standard tools in your subfield (e.g., Gaussian, ORCA, Psi4, GROMACS, LAMMPS, RDKit).
• Excellent quantitative, analytical, and scientific reasoning skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities, with the ability to clearly document and explain technical concepts.
• Track record of rigorous scientific problem-solving in complex chemistry domains.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Academic experience (postdoc, research scientist, faculty, or equivalent), strongly preferred.
• Peer-reviewed publications, patents, or contributions to open-source scientific software.
• Experience with AI/ML-assisted chemistry workflows or benchmarking.
• Background in drug discovery, reaction prediction, or retrosynthesis.

This is a 100% remote contract role, open to applicants worldwide in the countries the employer accepts.