PhD Synthetic and Analytical Chemist, AI Expert

Weekday (YC W21)

. Collaborate with AI research and engineering teams to identify scientific knowledge gaps and improve model performance across synthetic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, structure elucidation, and physicochemical property prediction .

Posted 11/12/2026part-timeRemote • United States, United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 $70 - $100 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in synthetic chemistry and analytical techniques, with a strong ability to design and evaluate chemistry tasks and datasets. Proficient in interpreting spectroscopic data and providing technical feedback to enhance AI model performance and scientific accuracy.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In ChemistrySmall-Molecule SynthesisNMR SpectroscopyMass SpectrometryCheminformatics Platforms

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Synthetic ChemistryMulti-Step Synthesis Route PlanningReaction OptimizationSpectroscopic CharacterizationAnalytical Data InterpretationChemical Logic EvaluationTask Specification DevelopmentGrading Rubric CreationLaboratory Failure Mode AssessmentMolecular Representation Review

Soft Skills

Strong Written CommunicationClear Explanation Of Complex Concepts

Tools & Technologies

NMRHPLCLC-MSIR SpectroscopyAI-Powered Research Tools

Industry Keywords

Synthetic ChemistryOrganic ChemistryMedicinal ChemistryAnalytical ChemistryPhysical ChemistryScientific ReasoningAI Model EvaluationTraining DatasetsChemical FeasibilitySMILES

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Collaborate with AI research and engineering teams to identify scientific knowledge gaps and improve model performance across synthetic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, structure elucidation, and physicochemical property prediction
Design domain-specific chemistry tasks, benchmarks, and training datasets assessing scientific reasoning
Develop structured solutions for complex chemistry problems, including multi-step synthesis route planning, reaction optimization, and spectroscopic characterization
Evaluate AI-generated responses and step-by-step reasoning for chemical logic, factual accuracy, and scientific tool usage
Provide written technical feedback to improve AI model reliability and scientific accuracy
Develop task specifications, grading rubrics, and verification processes for chemistry-related data
Assess experimental designs, identify laboratory failure modes, and validate chemical feasibility
Review molecular representations, including SMILES, for chemical correctness and consistency
Collaborate with subject-matter experts to maintain scientific accuracy and quality across AI training datasets

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in Chemistry, preferably in Synthetic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related discipline; equivalent research experience may also be considered
At least 3 years of hands-on chemistry experience within a recognized organization
Practical experience in small-molecule synthesis, including designing and executing multi-step synthetic routes, reaction setup, monitoring, optimization, troubleshooting, and improving reaction outcomes
Hands-on experience with NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, HPLC, and LC-MS
Ability to interpret analytical and spectroscopic data and assess compound identity, purity, and structural characteristics
Familiarity with cheminformatics platforms, scientific software, and AI-powered research tools
Strong written communication skills and ability to explain complex chemical concepts and technical decisions clearly
Ability to commit reliably to at least 20 hours per week during weekdays
Preferred: experience with SMILES and SMARTS; AI model evaluation, scientific reasoning assessments, or AI agent testing; scientific benchmarks, training datasets, grading rubrics, or structured evaluation frameworks; translating laboratory procedures and chemical reasoning into structured technical documentation
Applicants must be based in the United Kingdom or on the US East Coast
H-1B and STEM OPT candidates cannot be supported

Benefits

Comp & perks

Fully remote work arrangement
Flexible schedule
Weekly payments through Stripe or Wise
Engagements may be extended, shortened, or concluded early depending on project requirements and performance
Minimum 20 hours per week, primarily on weekdays