Research Scientist, Polymer Physicist

Job Description: The Materials and Systems Innovation (MSI) group, in Meta's Reality Labs Research, creates and accelerates breakthrough materials and device technologies that unblock the path to low-cost, all-day wearable AR devices and advanced sensing and actuating systems for robotics. We identify key technology gaps requiring step-change innovation, build AI-driven autonomous discovery pipelines to compress development timelines, leverage external partners to accelerate research, and deliver high-quality technology solutions through cross-functional, high-performing teams. PhD in Polymer Science, Polymer Physics, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a closely related field 6+ years of combined postdoctoral and/or industry research experience in computational or theoretical polymer science Demonstrated depth in polymer theory and computational modeling – statistical mechanics of polymers, viscoelasticity and rheology, transport phenomena, and multiscale simulation methods Demonstrated ability to work directly with experimentalists: understanding experimental methods, interpreting characterization data, and using models to guide bench work Evidence of technical leadership – leading projects or sub-teams, mentoring scientists, and driving multi-person research agendas to results, navigating complex stakeholder management Track record of peer-reviewed publications and effective written and verbal communication with both specialist and cross-functional audiences Hands‑on experience with ionic polymer systems such as ionomers, polyelectrolytes, ion gels, polymer networks, and IPMC actuators Background in polymer synthesis and processing methods to guide manufacturability, formulation, and synthetic feasibility Hands‑on experience with molecular simulation and/or coarse-grained modeling packages (e.g., LAMMPS, OpenMM, ASE, HOOMD) and high throughput simulation Experience with polymer experimental characterization and failure analysis Knowledge of LLM‑driven automation, high‑throughput testing, self‑driving laboratory setups Experience with academic collaborators, industry consortia, and vendor engagement to advance technical goals Demonstrated history of establishing novel research initiatives and technical programs from initiation Familiarity with polymer informatics, public soft matter repositories, and machine learning potentials Working literacy in AI/ML for materials design: practical experience applying ML property prediction, surrogate modeling, or generative design to molecular or polymeric systems Experience in sensor and actuator technology, including electromechanical transduction, dielectric elastomeric materials, piezoelectric polymers, and soft robotic systems