Research Scientist - Robotics & Physical AI

Job#: 3030592

Job Description:
Research Scientist - Robotics & Physical AI

Location: Seattle, Washington

Employment Type: Contract

Role Overview

The Materials Innovation team is seeking a Researcher to advance the frontier of autonomous science for materials discovery. This role is at the intersection of robotics, Physical AI, and materials chemistry, with a focus on developing intelligent, closed-loop laboratory systems that accelerate the discovery, synthesis, and characterization of sustainable materials. This position offers an opportunity to conduct original, publishable research while shaping scalable autonomous laboratory platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead original research into autonomous and cooperative robotic systems for materials synthesis and characterization.
• Design workflows that integrate robotic manipulation, sensing, and Physical AI models to execute laboratory tasks with minimal human intervention.
• Architect and scientifically validate closed-loop systems that couple hypothesis generation, materials synthesis, characterization, and data-driven decision making.
• Develop and maintain control software for laboratory automation platforms, leveraging tools such as Python, C++, ROS, or equivalent frameworks.
• Contribute to the development and deployment of Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models and related Physical AI approaches for perception, reasoning, and action in laboratory environments.
• Integrate robotic hardware, sensors, actuators, and computer vision systems into reliable experimental platforms.
• Translate research prototypes into robust, scalable autonomous discovery solutions for integration into end-to-end experimental pipelines.
• Collaborate with materials scientists, chemists, and engineers to align system capabilities with scientific objectives.
• Author and co-author peer-reviewed publications in top-tier venues.
• Contribute to invention disclosures and patent filings where appropriate.

Required Qualifications

Education: A PhD in Robotics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field is required.

Experience: Demonstrated hands-on research experience with laboratory robotics, automated synthesis, or experimental automation platforms is necessary. Candidates should possess a proven ability to conduct independent research and collaborate across interdisciplinary teams.

Technical Skills: Strong programming proficiency in Python, C++, or ROS is required. Practical experience with robotic system integration, including sensors, actuators, motion systems, and computer vision, is also required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-throughput experimentation or materials characterization techniques.
• Familiarity with machine learning or AI-driven experimental design in physical systems.
• Prior publication history in robotics, autonomous systems, or materials-focused journals or conferences.

Compensation & Benefits

The pay rate for this position is between $50.00 and $70.00 per hour. Additional hiring options may include and OPT sponsorship.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

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Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.