Application Scientist

The Role

We hire across a spectrum of backgrounds. Some Application Scientists are computational (atomistic and molecular simulation, machine-learned force fields), some are experimental (synthesis, processing, characterisation, lab automation), and some are data-driven (materials and cheminformatics, optimisation). What they share is the ability to turn a partner’s problem into a plan, deliver it, and translate fluently between experimental, computational, and machine learning teams.

We operate a matrix structure. You will have a home team, but may contribute to projects in another pillar as demand and your expertise evolve.

Your Impact

You will own the scientific delivery of partner projects, from scoping to results. Working with our technical programme managers, ML researchers, platform engineers, and lab integration team, you will make sure our platform answers the questions that matter to partners, and that what is learned on each project feeds back into tools and workflows used across the company.

Alongside delivery, you will help build the cross-cutting capabilities that future projects depend on, such as validated workflows, harmonised data pipelines and agentic design campaigns.

Must Have Skills and Qualifications

• A PhD in chemistry, materials science, physics, chemical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

• Deep, hands-on expertise in at least one of: atomistic simulation (including machine-learned force fields); experimental materials or chemistry, ideally with automation or high-throughput methods; materials or cheminformatics with machine learning and optimisation.

• A track record in one or more of the application areas above.

• Python skills for data handling, analysis, automation or modelling, and familiarity with version control (Git).

• Exceptional ability to communicate with both experimental and computational scientists, and to translate between them.

• A personal passion for CuspAI's mission and the potential of AI to unlock breakthroughs in materials science.

Bonus Points (But Not Critical)

• Industry experience, particularly in the semiconductor, electronics, energy, or chemical sectors.

• Experience leading projects or collaborations with external partners, including writing technical scopes or proposals.

• Experience with multiscale modelling, from atomistic to mesoscale, continuum or device level.

• Practical synthesis or processing experience, with an understanding of what makes a route feasible and reproducible.

• Professional software engineering practice, such as code review, testing and deployment.

• Prior experience in a start-up or fast-growth technology company.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary: We value and reward impact and growth

• Equity in CuspAI: You have a stake in the success of the company

• Time off to stay fresh: 28 days holiday (DE, NL, UK) or 21 days holiday (JP, SG, US), in addition to local public holidays

• ‘Gold Standard’ parental leave: 26 weeks (primary caregiver) and 12 weeks (secondary caregiver) at full pay - we look after you and your family while we work on the most important materials discovery problems together

• Professional development budget: We invest in your career development so you can stay up to date with the latest industry knowledge or add to your skills to increase impact and growth

• Solve meaningful problems: See how your work has a direct impact on advancing materials science and solving sustainability and climate-related problems through the creation and application of bleeding-edge SOTA technology and revolutionary techniques

• True interdisciplinary teamwork: Be part of a deeply collaborative environment bridging AI research, computational chemistry, and experimental science - work with world-class researchers and engineers who enjoy sharing knowledge and supporting each other

Join us in shaping the future of materials with AI. Together, we can create groundbreaking solutions for a more sustainable world.


CuspAI is an equal opportunities employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and value the unique perspectives and contributions that diversity brings to our team.

Please let us know if you require any specific adjustments during or after the interview process. We will do everything we can within reason to accommodate.