Staff Scientist - Chemistry (Promethium)

Palo Alto, CA or Remote, USA

Description

Promethium is growing our world-class team, and we’re looking for a Staff Scientist to advance the adoption and impact of our GPU-powered quantum chemistry-driven molecular design engine. You’ll lead high-impact projects, including methods development, benchmarking, customer applications, and published research, helping industrial partners unlock value from Promethium SaaS.

This remote-first role reports to the SVP of Quantum Chemistry and requires less than 20% travel. Hybrid options are available in Palo Alto, CA.

Responsibilities

Role

The Staff Scientist will lead a variety of projects to encourage adoption and enhance usage of the Promethium GPU-powered quantum chemistry-driven molecular design engine, including:

  • Methods development – Advancing high-level techniques to improve molecular design capabilities.
  • Benchmarking & validation – Conducting studies and publishing findings through whitepapers and research publications.
  • Application case studies – Collaborating with industrial customers on both proprietary and openly published studies.
  • Customer-facing projects – Contributing directly to funded initiatives that demonstrate the value of Promethium.

The overarching goal of this role is to help customers unlock value from current and next-generation versions of the Promethium SaaS engine.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry, Computational Condensed Matter Physics or similar field
  • One or more postdoctoral appointments, or industry experience beyond the Ph.D.
  • Significant experience with the use of density functional theory to solve real-world chemistry problems
  • Demonstrated publication record in quantum chemistry applications and/or methods development projects
  • Fluency with Python
  • Zeal to learn new skills as-needed in mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering to deliver high-quality technical solutions
  • Ability to work independently and within a larger team

Preferred:

  • Fluency with C++, CUDA, or other high-performance classical programming languages
  • Demonstrated contributions to one or more major classical electronic structure codes
  • Experience mentoring team members

Compensation

Base Salary

$150,000 - $180,000 per year, plus participation in the QC Ware corporate bonus program.

This can vary by location. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, competencies, experience, market demands, internal parity, and relevant education or training.

Benefits, PTO & Equity

We’re proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:

  • Health Coverage: Company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for you and your dependents.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Available for eligible plans.
  • Disability Insurance: Company-paid long-term disability coverage.
  • Basic Life Insurance: $50,000 company-paid coverage.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to counseling, coaching, and life resources.
  • Equity: Ownership in a growing startup.
  • Retirement Plans: 401(k) with Traditional and Roth options.
  • PTO: Discretionary Unlimited PTO (we trust you to take the time you need).
  • Holidays: 12 annual paid holidays.
  • Parental Leave: 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
  • Monthly Virtual Events to foster team connection.
  • Remote-First Environment: Work from anywhere with flexibility and support to thrive.

About You

About QC Ware

Promethium, part of QC Ware, is an enterprise SaaS company specializing in quantum-inspired computational chemistry. We empower customers in the pharmaceutical, chemicals, and materials industries to solve complex molecular research and design challenges. Using high-performance GPU-based code, Promethium modernizes chemistry simulations, enabling faster, more accurate design and production of new materials and drugs.

An Important Note

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Promethium, we’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic team. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the exact person we’re looking for to fill this or other roles.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Promethium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Difference makes us better. Join us.

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