Scientist, Self-Driving Labs

About us

Hong Kong Quantum AI Lab (HKQAI) is assembling the team for a Physical AI for Science venture.

HKQAI is an R&D centre jointly established by The University of Hong Kong and the California Institute of Technology, with research spanning quantum chemistry, artificial intelligence and robotics.

We are building self-driving laboratories, in which AI agents design workflows, simulation platforms evaluate candidates, robots execute experiments, and every result feeds back into the next cycle.

We are looking for someone with

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or a related discipline from a top institution (candidates graduating before July 2027 are also welcome to apply)
• Strong evidence of scientific excellence, whether through research at a leading academic group, publications, industrial R&D or other technical work
• Curiosity about automation and a desire to rethink how scientific experiments are performed
• Entrepreneurial temperament and learning agility will be a plus

Key responsibilities

• Design, execute and validate synthesis, formulation and characterisation workflows for materials
• Translate manual experimental protocols into structured, robot-executable procedures, including steps, parameters, constraints and exception handling
• Work with robotics engineers to integrate laboratory instruments, liquid/powder handling systems and analytical equipment into the automated platform
• Define experimental controls, QC metrics, reproducibility criteria and failure conditions for experiments that may run with minimal human supervision
• Diagnose experimental failures and distinguish between scientific, hardware, software and process-related causes
• Structure experimental outputs and metadata so results can be used directly by AI models and active-learning systems
• Develop new automated workflows as the platform expands into other domains

What we offer

• Multi-disciplinary environment to work alongside researchers across AI, chemistry, materials science and robotics
• Compensation commensurate with capabilities and experience, with flexibility for outstanding candidates
• Exceptional candidates will be offered a founding seat, in which your decisions will shape the company
• High job autonomy