Job Summary
A1 Stealth Labs is developing an autonomous, AI-driven laboratory platform for energy materials discovery, including batteries, electrochemical catalysts, and carbon capture materials. We are seeking a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to lead scientific strategy, research direction, and experimental rigor across all discovery programs. This role is designed for a senior scientist who wishes to take a long-term leadership position in a deep-tech startup and contribute meaningfully to scientific direction, IP creation, and company value.
Responsibilities
- Define and own the scientific roadmap for energy materials, electrochemistry, and catalysis to drive innovation and discovery outcomes
- Translate complex research questions into scalable, automated experimental workflows to enhance laboratory efficiency and data quality
- Ensure scientific rigor by establishing reproducible protocols and maintaining high-quality documentation of experimental results
- Collaborate closely with engineering and AI teams to integrate scientific protocols into autonomous laboratory systems, enabling seamless operation and data acquisition
- Lead and support strategic collaborations with universities, research institutes, and industrial partners to expand research capabilities and impact
- Contribute to the preparation and submission of grant applications, technical reports, and intellectual property development to secure funding and protect innovations
Required competencies and certifications
- PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related scientific discipline
- Demonstrated expertise in electrochemistry, materials discovery, catalysis, or energy-related research fields
- Proven experience leading experimental research programs in academic or industrial settings
- Ability to operate effectively within an early-stage startup environment, managing ambiguity and driving scientific progress
Preferred competencies and qualifications
- Experience in developing autonomous laboratory platforms or integrating AI with experimental workflows
- Track record of successful grant applications and intellectual property generation in scientific research
Compensation & Equity
- Equity participation of up to 10%, subject to role scope, time commitment, and vesting terms
- Equity structured under a Good Leaver framework, ensuring fair retention of vested equity in the event of role transition due to mutually agreed or non-fault circumstances
- Opportunity to transition into a salaried executive role upon successful fundraising or revenue milestones
Why Join
- Founding-level influence on scientific direction and platform architecture
- Opportunity to shape a globally scalable autonomous chemistry platform
- Meaningful equity participation aligned with long-term value creation
