Research Scientist - Magnets Team, SandboxAQ

The Magnets team is part of SandboxAQ’s Chemical Simulation group, which uses advanced computational methods, physics-based simulation, and AI to discover and develop novel materials. This vertical focuses on creating high-performance permanent magnets that reduce reliance on neodymium and other rare earth elements, aiming to match or exceed the performance of today’s leading NdFeB magnets for applications like semiconductor equipment, vacuum systems, precision motion devices, and defense technologies.

The role involves driving the computational discovery and optimization of next-generation magnet materials. Key responsibilities include:

• Running and interpreting atomistic and multi-scale simulations to predict properties like phase stability, magnetocrystalline anisotropy, saturation magnetization, and Curie temperature across Fe- and Co-based intermetallic systems using U.S.-accessible alloying elements.
• Developing and testing computational workflows and ML-driven surrogate models for high-throughput screening and optimization of rare-earth-lean and rare-earth-free permanent magnet candidates.
• Leading high-fidelity data generation campaigns to feed the magnetism-aware Large Quantitative Model (LQM), collaborating with platform and data-generation teams to specify energetics, descriptors, and uncertainty estimates.
• Connecting atomistic simulation outputs to microstructure- and process-level predictions (e.g., powder metallurgy, sintering, heat treatment) to ensure manufacturability with existing industry equipment.
• Collaborating with experimental partners to validate and refine predictions, contributing to the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) feedback loop between computation and lab work.
• Working within agile, multidisciplinary teams to generate and evaluate hypotheses that influence project direction.
• Communicating research findings through scientific talks, peer-reviewed publications, patents, and partner-facing technical presentations. Supporting junior scientists and interns as the team grows.