Thermal Physics Scientist

The scientific responsibility

Predict and measure heat-driven false signals before they become a discovery claim. Separate radiation pressure from expansion, radiometric effects and temperature-dependent readout drift.

Technical depth we are looking for

Heat transfer; transient thermal models; emissivity and absorption; thermal sensors; thermomechanical coupling; model identification.

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 model validated against temperature transients and an experiment where you bounded thermal bias rather than merely fitting it away.

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

Specify heat-matched controls and sensor placement for both optical states, including the time needed to approach a stable comparison.

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

Assuming equal incident power means equal absorbed heat, or assuming ABBA ordering cancels state-dependent thermal effects.

A concrete first deliverable

A validated thermal-response model, control matrix and operating-power limits.

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

What observable would distinguish a thermal transient from an immediate optical-momentum response?

Appointment and compensation

This is a proposed capability profile within the founding priorities. 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.