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CuspAI is an AI-driven materials science company using machine learning to accelerate discovery of breakthrough materials for energy, clean water, computing, and carbon capture. The company's founding team comprises world-class researchers in AI, chemistry, and engineering, and the company is positioned at the frontier of computational materials discovery.
As Partnerships Manager, you will build and lead the commercial partnerships function for Europe, focusing on identifying and engaging R&D, materials, and chemicals teams at industrial companies. Your responsibilities include:
**Pipeline Development:** Identify and outreach to R&D, materials, and chemicals teams at US industrial companies that can benefit from direct access to CuspAI's AI platform and data. Own the full sales cycle from initial conversation through signed agreement. Leverage your network and market knowledge to open doors in key innovation hubs including the Bay Area, Boston, Texas, and the Research Triangle.
**Partnership Closure & Growth:** Understand each prospect's materials challenges and translate them into compelling proposals in collaboration with CuspAI's scientists and Technical Program Managers. Negotiate commercial terms and bring agreements to signature. Develop first engagements into lasting relationships and identify expansion opportunities.
**Go-to-Market Strategy:** Help determine which customer types and sectors to prioritize based on conversion velocity. Bring market intelligence back to product, research, and leadership teams. Build processes, materials, and playbooks for the wider team as the company scales. Represent CuspAI at industry events and conferences.
This is an early-stage, high-impact role where you will shape the company's commercial strategy from day one in a trillion-dollar market where most R&D organizations are just beginning to adopt AI for materials discovery.
**Requirements:**
- 8+ years in partnerships, business development, or sales roles selling to industrial R&D, materials, chemicals, or semiconductor organizations
- Experience bringing digital R&D tools to scientific teams (e.g., materials informatics, lab data platforms like ELN/LIMS, simulation software)
- Proven track record sourcing and closing B2B deals with multiple stakeholders and long sales cycles
- Established network among R&D and business leaders at US industrial companies
- Ability to explain AI and computational concepts clearly to scientists and business leaders
- Comfort with ambiguity and drive to build structure from scratch in a fast-growing startup
- Willingness to travel regularly within the US and to Europe (30–40%)
**Bonus Qualifications:**
- Advanced degree in chemistry, materials science, physics, chemical engineering, or related field
- Experience at a company working in materials informatics, scientific software, or AI for R&D
- Experience building a market or commercial function from the ground up
