Surface Forces & Casimir Scientist

The scientific responsibility

Separate boundary-force physics from electrostatic, contamination and geometric artifacts. Define the conditions under which a surface-force measurement would be interpretable.

Technical depth we are looking for

Casimir/Lifshitz models; electrostatic calibration; Kelvin probe methods; surface roughness; separation metrology; contamination control.

We expect research-level command of the relevant physics and methods, plus the ability to explain assumptions to adjacent specialists. A doctorate or equivalent demonstrated achievement is appropriate; the evidence of your work matters more than a particular institution.

Evidence to bring

A surface-force experiment or model with defensible separation uncertainty, material response and patch-potential treatment.

Provide public or authorized links and distinguish your individual contribution from the team’s work. Include a failure, correction or negative result that improved your judgment. Do not send confidential material.

Your first design assignment

Evaluate whether the proposed surface geometry has a measurable, discriminating observable and specify the necessary surface characterization.

This is a proposed priority after appointment, not an unpaid application assignment. The exact scope follows funding, access to appropriate facilities and an agreed work plan.

The failure mode you must be able to expose

Attributing a residual to Casimir physics before bounding patch potentials, alignment, roughness and distance error.

A concrete first deliverable

A feasibility memo, artifact budget and characterization requirements before any custom sample purchase.

Acceptance should be based on inspectable records, stated limitations and independent technical review. A positive propulsion result is not a prerequisite for useful scientific work.

A question for our technical conversation

How would you bound electrostatic patch forces without assuming they are negligible?

Appointment and compensation

This is a proposed capability profile within the model & materials program. Selected full-time founding appointments are proposed at USD $1M starting annual base salary with a USD $10M+ milestone bonus opportunity, subject to secured funding and signed terms. Location, benefits, start date and exact scope remain to be agreed. Read the complete compensation framework.