Computational Polymer Chemistry Lead | JobSetuu

Description

Job Overview

• Source: Arbeitnow
• Location: Berlin
• Job Type: Full-Time

Job Description

What we do

Cambrium is a molecular intelligence company engineering advanced materials that outperform. From personal care to textiles, mobility to home care, we design and manufacture materials that deliver real results today and for generations to come.

Our platform brings together molecular intelligence and living systems to design and produce enzymes, polymers, and peptides at scale, unlocking performance characteristics that traditional chemistry could never access. Within polymers specifically. Our stack: we design enzymes that produce novel monomers, then combine them into block copolymers that break through the performance tradeoffs of existing polymers. We have done this once already, and now we're making it systematic. Polymers today are where proteins were before AlphaFold: the architectures exist, the training data doesn't. We're building the lab and the dataset that changes that.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity. We consider all applications equally regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We strongly encourage individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in tech to apply, and we can help with immigration.

Your role

You will be the first hire for our new Polymer AI lab. You will lead the computational chemistry track: DFT screening, machine-learned interatomic potentials (MLIPs), and the bridge between quantum chemistry and our wet-lab dataset, while the polymer synthesis lab comes online in parallel. You report to the CTO and collaborate daily with the Head of Polymers.

Your role is to ensure the computational layer (DFT features, MLIP physics, SCFT, active learning signals) is ready when the experimental data starts flowing. If you do this well, within two years you're the co-architect of a polymer foundation model trained on a dataset that doesn't exist anywhere else in the world.

Your Responsibilities

• Screen monomer candidates via DFT to generate enriched representations (HOMO/LUMO, partial charges, reactivity, polarizability) that topological fingerprints miss
• Evaluate and benchmark public universal MLIPs for fit with our monomer chemistry
• Run MLIP fine-tuning experiments on pilot wet-lab data as it arrives from the synthesis team
• Build the computational data pipeline from DFT features to training-ready representations
• Co-design the active learning loop with the CTO: which candidates should the wet lab synthesize next, based on model uncertainty and DFT priors?
• Set up and maintain the simulation infrastructure on cloud compute
• As the dataset grows: train an in-house MLIP, run MD simulations for virtual screening of block copolymers, and generate synthetic training data at scale
• Manage the compute budget and make the cloud-vs-on-prem recommendation as we scale

Your profile

• PhD and/or 5+ years of experience in computational chemistry, materials science, chemical physics, or a closely related field, with a focus in soft matter physics / polymers
• Hands-on DFT experience (Gaussian, ORCA, VASP, or CP2K) with production-scale calculations
• Working knowledge of machine-learned interatomic potentials (MACE, NequIP, Allegro, SchNet, or equivalent). You've trained and evaluated MLIPs on real systems
• Python fluency and comfort with ML frameworks (PyTorch or JAX), including writing training loops
• Experience connecting computational predictions to experimental validation. You've collaborated with a wet lab and understand what makes a prediction useful in practice
• Published research demonstrating independent scientific contribution

Strong signals:

• Experience with polymer or soft-matter simulations (coarse-grained MD, SCFT, block copolymer phase behavior, polymer thermodynamics)
• Familiarity with active learning or Bayesian optimization for experiment selection
• Experience with molecular simulation engines (LAMMPS, GROMACS, OpenMM, or equivalent)
• Background in concept bottleneck models, physics-informed ML, or interpretable ML for materials
• Contributions to open-source computational chemistry or ML tooling
• Prior work at an industrial R&D lab, where predictions needed to translate into real decisions

What we offer

• Employee Stock Options
• Flexible working hours
• Learning & Development Programme for all our team members
• A once-in-a-career dataset problem: building a foundational dataset for polymers, from scratch
• Direct access to a parallel synthesis platform generating the data you model
• Berlin HQ, European open-source simulation stack
• Gym membership
• Subsidised lunch and impassioned lunch discussions
• 30 days of individual vacation plus up to 5 all-company holidays between the 25th of December and 1st of January
• Regular team events
• Be part of our journey to a future of advanced materials that outperform

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Expert Career Tips for Computational Polymer Chemistry Lead Roles

To succeed in a competitive market as a Computational Polymer Chemistry Lead, you need more than just technical skills. Here are some expert strategies to elevate your profile:

• Build a Strong Portfolio: For technical roles, a clean GitHub or a personal project site is essential. For non-technical roles, a case study portfolio demonstrating problem-solving and impact is equally valuable. Show, don't just tell, what you have achieved in your previous positions.
• Master the Narrative: When interviewing, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Quantify your results wherever possible—mentioning "increased efficiency by 20%" is much more impactful than saying "improved efficiency."
• Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. Whether it's staying updated with the latest AI tools or mastering a new management methodology, continuous professional development is key. Consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications that align with Computational Polymer Chemistry Lead requirements.
• Networking: Connect with other professionals in similar roles. Join online communities, attend webinars, and engage in meaningful discussions on professional social networks. Often, the best opportunities come through referrals and community engagement.
• Soft Skills Matter: Communication, empathy, and leadership are often the deciding factors between two equally qualified technical candidates. Cultivate these skills as they are universally valued across all industries and seniority levels.

Additionally, research the specific company's culture and values. Tailoring your application to show how you align with their mission can significantly increase your chances of moving forward in the process.

Salary & Compensation

Salary not disclosed; typically competitive for the role.

Work Arrangement

Type: On-Site

Standard business hours at the office.

Comprehensive Application Strategy & Hiring Process

Applying for a new role is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this strategic approach to maximize your success rate:

1. Initial Research & Tailoring

Don't send the same resume to every employer. Spend at least 30 minutes researching the company. Look for recent news, their product roadmap, and their team structure. Modify your summary and core competencies to reflect the specific keywords found in the job description.

2. The Perfect Cover Letter

If the application allows for a cover letter, use it to tell a story that your resume cannot. Explain why you are passionate about this specific company and how your unique background makes you the perfect fit for the challenges they are currently facing.

3. Navigating the Multi-Stage Interview

Most modern hiring processes involve 3-5 stages. This typically includes a recruiter screen, a technical or skill-based assessment, a peer interview, and a final leadership round. Prepare for each stage differently: focus on enthusiasm and fit for the recruiter, technical depth for the assessment, and strategic vision for the leadership round.

4. Post-Interview Follow-Up

Always send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview. Reference a specific topic discussed during the call to demonstrate your active listening and genuine interest in the role.

By following these steps, you demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail that sets you apart from the average applicant.

Typical Interview Process

1. Resume screening
2. HR call
3. Skill interview
4. Final manager interview
5. Offer

Tip: Research the company's products and culture.

Global Market Intelligence & Relocation Insights

At JobSetuu, we specialize in helping talent navigate the global job market. Here is what you need to know about the current landscape in Berlin and beyond:

The demand for skilled professionals is increasingly borderless. For roles based in Berlin, understanding the local cost of living, visa requirements (if applicable), and cultural nuances is vital. If this is a remote role, consider the time zone alignment and the asynchronous communication culture of the hiring organization.

Relocation Support: Many forward-thinking companies offer relocation packages that include moving stipends, temporary housing, and legal assistance with work permits. When evaluating an offer, look beyond the base salary—consider the total compensation package, including equity, bonuses, and healthcare benefits.

Work-Life Balance Trends: Hybrid and remote work have become standard in many regions. Research the local labor laws and common practices regarding work hours and vacation time to ensure the role aligns with your lifestyle goals.

Leveraging JobSetuu's tools can help you compare salaries across different cities and understand the "purchasing power" of your potential offer, ensuring you make an informed decision for your long-term career path.

Skills & Competency Roadmap for Professional Development

To remain competitive in Professional Development, we recommend focusing on the following core competencies over the next 12-18 months:

• Technical Mastery: Deepen your expertise in the core tools and languages relevant to your field. For developers, this might be cloud architecture; for marketers, it might be data-driven attribution modeling.
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• Data Literacy: The ability to interpret data and use it to drive decisions is essential across all business functions. Familiarize yourself with data visualization and basic analytical concepts.

By investing in these areas, you not only prepare yourself for the role you are applying for today but also build a resilient foundation for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Apply via JobSetuu

Discover your next career milestone on JobSetuu. This Computational Polymer Chemistry Lead position is part of our commitment to bringing you the most relevant and high-impact job openings globally. At JobSetuu, we simplify your job search by aggregating premier listings and providing the tools you need to stand out. Don't miss the chance to elevate your professional journey—explore more opportunities and career insights on our platform today.