Materials Scientist - Fully Remote

MercorMercor·Remote(United States)
Other

WFA Digital Insight

The demand for skilled materials scientists in remote settings is on the rise, with over 25% of R&D positions now being filled by remote workers. As the industry shifts towards more digital and AI-driven approaches, having a strong background in computational materials science and data analysis is crucial. Mercor stands out by offering a fully remote work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Before applying, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their expertise in materials characterization and process development, as well as their ability to work effectively in a remote team. With the materials science job market expected to grow by 10% in the next year, this role presents a compelling opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in a dynamic and forward-thinking company.

Job Description

About the Role

As a Materials Scientist at Mercor, you will be at the forefront of developing innovative materials solutions for a wide range of applications. Your day-to-day work will involve designing and implementing multi-step tasks for AI agents, collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine task designs, and evaluating the performance of advanced materials. You will be working in a fully remote environment, utilizing digital tools and platforms to build a virtual workspace centered around Drive folders and collaborating with other experts and research teams.

The role is critical to the company's mission to drive innovation in materials science, and you will be expected to bring a high level of expertise and passion to the position. You will be working closely with other researchers, engineers, and scientists to develop and scale up new materials and processes, and your work will have a direct impact on the company's products and services.

Mercor is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, and as a Materials Scientist, you will be expected to contribute to this culture by sharing your knowledge, expertise, and ideas with the team. You will be working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, and you will need to be adaptable, flexible, and able to prioritize tasks effectively.

What You Will Do

  • Design and implement multi-step tasks for AI agents to simulate real-world materials processing conditions
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine task designs and evaluation criteria
  • Develop and maintain a digital workspace centered around Drive folders to track progress and share results
  • Conduct characterization of materials using techniques such as XRD, SEM/TEM, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis
  • Utilize computational materials science tools such as VASP, Materials Studio (Biovia), and ANSYS Fluent / STAR-CCM+ to simulate and analyze materials behavior
  • Develop and scale up new materials and processes, and evaluate their performance and reliability
  • Participate in research and development projects to advance the company's materials science capabilities
  • Collaborate with other researchers, engineers, and scientists to develop and implement new materials and processes
  • Communicate results and findings to the team and stakeholders through reports, presentations, and meetings

What We Are Looking For

  • MS or PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline
  • 3+ years of full-time experience at a Fortune 500 R&D organization, national lab, or R1 university materials research group
  • Background in metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, or semiconductor materials
  • Experience in characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM/TEM, spectroscopy, and thermal analysis
  • Strong analytical thinking and writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex results and findings to both technical and non-technical audiences
  • Experience with computational materials science tools such as VASP, Materials Studio (Biovia), and ANSYS Fluent / STAR-CCM+
  • Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, C++, or MATLAB
  • Experience with data analysis and visualization tools such as Excel, Tableau, or Power BI

Nice to Have

  • Experience with machine learning and AI algorithms, and their application to materials science problems
  • Knowledge of materials informatics and data-driven approaches to materials discovery
  • Experience with high-performance computing and parallel processing
  • Familiarity with DevOps principles and version control systems such as Git

Benefits and Perks

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge materials science projects with a talented team of researchers and engineers
  • Fully remote work environment with flexible working hours and a remote stipend
  • Access to the latest digital tools and technologies, including Drive folders, VASP, Materials Studio (Biovia), and ANSYS Fluent / STAR-CCM+
  • Professional development opportunities, including training, mentorship, and conference attendance
  • Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a culture of innovation and teamwork
  • Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement savings plan with company match
  • Generous paid time off policy, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Employee recognition and reward programs, including bonuses and stock options

How to Stand Out

  • Make sure to highlight your experience with digital tools and platforms, such as Drive folders, VASP, and Materials Studio (Biovia), in your application and during the interview process.
  • Emphasize your ability to work effectively in a remote team environment, and provide examples of your experience with collaboration and communication tools such as Slack, Zoom, and Asana.
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with materials characterization and process development, and provide specific examples of your work in these areas.
  • Showcase your analytical thinking and writing skills by including examples of your reports, presentations, and publications in your application.
  • Prepare to discuss your experience with data analysis and visualization tools, and provide examples of your ability to communicate complex results and findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and opportunities for professional development during the interview process.
  • Be prepared to provide specific examples of your experience with machine learning and AI algorithms, and their application to materials science problems, if applicable.

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