Research Scientist, Computational Condensed Matter Physics

The role

You will apply computational condensed matter physics and electronic structure expertise to accelerate materials discovery and optimization. You will use first-principles modeling, atomistic simulations, scientific machine learning, and agentic AI systems to investigate materials like superconductors and quantum materials.

What you will do

• Apply computational condensed matter physics to materials discovery and optimization.
• Use computational physics methods to study quantum materials, superconductors and electronic devices.
• Connect simulation outputs to experimental observations and develop workflows.
• Build predictive models from computational and experimental data.
• Analyze simulation and experimental data to generate actionable materials hypotheses.
• Partner with ML, software, and experimental teams on discovery workflows.
• Communicate physical insights, model limitations, and recommendations to collaborators.

Required qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in computational condensed matter physics, electronic structure, or atomistic simulation.
• Deep understanding of electronic-structure theory and their application to electronic, magnetic, or quantum materials.
• Experience applying first-principles or atomistic methods to materials discovery, optimization, or understanding.
• Familiarity with superconductors, quantum materials, electronic materials, semiconductors, or device-relevant materials systems.
• Strong programming skills in Python and scientific computing workflows.

Nice to have

• Experience working with amorphous materials, vibrational properties calculations and advanced electronic structure methods.
• Experience applying AI/ML to computational materials science or physics-based simulation data.
• Familiarity with agentic AI systems, autonomous scientific workflows, or simulation-aware agents.
• Background working with quantum materials, superconductors, semiconductors, or electronic device materials.
• Experience integrating computational predictions with experimental characterization, device measurements, or closed-loop optimization workflows.
• Ability to communicate physical insight, uncertainty, and model limitations to cross-functional collaborators.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision coverage
• employer-paid life and disability insurance
• flexible time off with generous company wide holidays
• paid parental leave
• educational assistance program
• commuter benefits, including bike share memberships for office based employees
• company subsidized lunch program

About the company

Lila Sciences is building Scientific Superintelligence™ to solve humankind's greatest challenges. The company combines advanced AI models with proprietary AI Science Factory™ instruments into an operating system for science.