2026 PhD Residency - Chemistry - Organic Synthesis of Polymers and Small Molecules (Early Stage Project)

We are looking for an exceptional PhD student with expertise in the organic synthesis of polymers and small molecules. Candidates should have substantial hands-on experience in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis, and molecular characterization using HPLC, LC-MS, GCMS, and NMR in a wet-lab setting. The ideal candidate will also have familiarity with the electrochemical evaluation of small molecules and their integration into broader polymer systems.

About the role

In this role, you will synthesize new polymers and small molecules and evaluate them electrochemically. You will be tasked with synthesizing various polymer frameworks that perform optimally while building robust chromatography, spectroscopy, and electrochemical assays to measure success. You will be part of X’s Design Kitchen, a world-class team of builders and dreamers, and work closely with other groups involving the frontiers of machine learning. This project aims to push the limits of science and modeling as we know them and to prove how ML can radically accelerate our understanding of the world.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and implementation of synthetic chemistry pathways to generate novel polymers and small molecules.
• Measure and optimize the electrochemical traits of newly designed polymer systems.
• Design, build, and implement robust analytical chemistry assays (e.g., LC-MS) to measure success within a larger design-build-test-learn workflow.
• Expand automation workflows to streamline chemical synthesis, testing, and analytical assays.
• Work cross-functionally with experts in multiple disciplines at X and Google.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in the chemical or biological sciences (e.g., Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biophysics, Bioengineering) with a strong track record of accomplishment.
• Hands-on experience with organic synthesis, particularly the design and creation of electrochemically reactive small molecules and polymers.
• Experience with electrochemical measurements and the evaluation of electroactive compounds.
• Proven ability to design and validate robust analytical assays (e.g., LC-QTOF, GC-MS, UV Spectroscopy, NMR).
• Strong experience with independently-directed lab research.
• Proficiency with Python.
• Experience in polymer chemistry, specifically synthesizing, characterizing, or modifying polymers for sensing applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• A strong publication record indicating expertise in modern organic synthesis and analytical techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to write code to automate workflows spanning chemical design and analytical testing.
• Previous experience working directly with electrocatalysis, redox polymers, or the development of electrochemical sensors.
• Familiarity with applying computational models or machine learning techniques to chemical design and optimization.

Schedule

• Location: X's headquarters in Mountain View, CA
• Start Date(s): Year-round rolling basis
• Duration: A flexible 4-month to 1-year program based on project team needs and your availability

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Embedded into one of X’s confidential or public projects
• Part of a lively community of AI and ML Residents
• Tech-talks with AI leaders from across X

Pay

The US base salary range for this position is $109,000 - $147,000 plus benefits.