Full Job Description
Role Summary
You will lead Devyantram's molecular and programmable-matter layer: the smallest scale of the platform, where sensing, actuation, and computation are realized in molecular and self-assembling systems. You define how molecular-scale machines and programmable materials perform local sensing and actuation and how they integrate with the broader micro and nano platform. You will also own the biological and living-material aspects of the platform, including regenerative and self-healing systems. You own the molecular systems domain end to end, from concept and design through experimental validation, working closely with the biohybrid systems, photonics, and microsystems leads on integration.
Key Responsibilities
Molecular Machines and Programmable Matter
• Design and develop molecular-scale machines and programmable-matter systems for local sensing and actuation.
• Develop self-assembly, reconfiguration, and stimuli-responsive behaviors at the molecular scale.
• Explore approaches to storing, transducing, and acting on information in molecular systems.
Molecular Sensing and Actuation
• Engineer molecular and supramolecular systems for chemical, optical, electrical, and mechanical sensing.
• Develop molecular actuation and transduction pathways that couple to the larger platform.
• Characterize stability, selectivity, and reproducibility of molecular-scale function.
Living, Regenerative & Self-Healing Materials
• Engineer regenerative and biohybrid materials for robotic systems, including self-healing skins, scaffolds, and adaptive structural elements.
• Develop repair and regeneration pathways for long-lived, damage-tolerant embodiments.
• Design and engineer functional polymers, hydrogels, and soft-matter systems for interfacing, actuation, sensing, and structural use.
• Develop stimuli-responsive and adaptive materials across electrical, optical, chemical, and mechanical domains.
Integration and Platform Fit
• Support integration of molecular and programmable systems with the micro and nano-robotic platform.
• Co-design with the bioengineering, photonics, and microsystems leads across the molecular-to-micro boundary.
• Establish safety, handling, and reproducibility standards for molecular-systems work.
IP and Technical Leadership
• Generate foundational IP across molecular machines, programmable matter, molecular sensing and actuation, and living and regenerative materials.
• Lead invention disclosures and experimental validation in coordination with counsel.
• Define the long-term molecular-systems roadmap and mentor junior researchers.
Required Qualifications
• MS or PhD in Chemistry, Molecular Engineering, Nanoscience, Bioengineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 8+ years of hands-on research and development experience in molecular, supramolecular, or nanoscale systems.
• Demonstrated depth in at least one of: molecular machines, programmable matter, self-assembly, or molecular sensing and actuation.
• Proven ability to take molecular-scale systems from concept to reproducible, characterized function.
• Strong experimental design and cross-disciplinary communication.
Strongly Preferred
• DNA nanotechnology, molecular robotics, or synthetic molecular machines.
• Supramolecular chemistry, self-assembly, or stimuli-responsive molecular systems.
• Molecular or nanoscale sensing for chemical, biological, or environmental targets.
• Programmable matter or reconfigurable materials.
• Regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, or self-healing and stimuli-responsive materials.
• Experience bridging molecular work with device, hardware, or robotics teams.
A Successful Candidate Will Be Measured By
• Function, stability, and reproducibility of molecular-scale sensing and actuation.
• Performance and longevity of regenerative and self-healing materials.
• Successful integration of molecular and programmable systems with the broader platform.
• Progress against the molecular-systems roadmap.
• Strength, novelty, and defensibility of generated core IP.
The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.
The pay range for this role is:
145,000 - 165,000 USD per year (Ashburn, VA)
