Director of Research Partnerships

About FirstPrinciples:
FirstPrinciples is a non-profit organization building an autonomous AI Physicist to understand the nature of reality: the underlying structure, governing principles, and fundamental laws of our universe. We're developing an intelligent system that can explore theoretical frameworks, reason across disciplines, and generate novel insights to tackle the deepest unsolved problems in physics. By combining AI, symbolic reasoning, and autonomous research capabilities, we're developing a platform that goes beyond analyzing existing knowledge to actively contribute to physics research. Our goal is to accelerate progress on the questions that have captivated humanity for centuries.

Job Description:
We’re seeking an exceptional Director of Research Partnerships to to position FirstPrinciples as a trusted partner at the center of the global physics research ecosystem. This role is perfect for someone who can navigate the complex world of academic institutions with an entrepreneurial mindset, transforming traditional research collaborations into breakthrough partnerships that accelerate scientific discovery. You’ll build bridges between our research efforts and those at leading universities, physics institutes, and global research organizations to develop collaborations, unlock access to critical datasets, foster joint research projects, and build credibility with the world’s top scientific institutions to shape the future of fundamental physics.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Partnerships Strategy:

• Identify, prioritize, and secure high-impact collaborations with top universities, research institutes, and laboratories across fundamental physics (CERN, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, Max Planck, etc.)
• Align all partnerships with the technical roadmap of the AI Physicist, ensuring each collaboration directly advances our capabilities in symbolic reasoning, simulation modules, and experimental data ingestion.
• Design innovative partnership models (joint research programs, fellowships, shared labs, data-sharing agreements) that accelerate progress of the AI Physicist while providing value to academic partners.

Research Collaborations & Data Access:

• Unlock access to experimental and observational datasets critical for AI Physicist training and validation through negotiating complex data-sharing agreements with major research facilities.
• Coordinate with internal AI/ML and research teams to identify technical gaps and match them with the right academic expertise and collaborators.
• Facilitate joint proposals for grants, government funding, and philanthropic support with academic partners.
• Structure collaborative research projects that leverage FirstPrinciples' AI capabilities to accelerate partners' research while advancing our own technical milestones.

Program Design & Ecosystem Building:

• Lead and expand FP Talks, our flagship virtual talk series, attracting top global researchers, breakthrough scientists, and rising stars to share insights and engage with our community.
• Launch transformative academic initiatives including international workshops, summer schools, visiting researcher programs, and joint symposia that position FirstPrinciples as the hub for AI-driven physics.
• Build and nurture an international network of collaborators across multiple physics subfields to expand both breadth and depth of research engagement.
• Create mechanisms for rapid knowledge transfer between academic partners and FirstPrinciples teams to directly inform AI development.

Representation & Relationship Management: 

• Act as FirstPrinciples' ambassador at major conferences, symposia, and academic forums, presenting our vision and securing strategic partnerships.
• Serve as the point of contact for academic partners, ensuring clear communication, alignment of goals, and effective execution of projects.
• Maintain regular reporting and tracking of partnership outcomes, demonstrating how academic collaborations directly contribute to AI Physicist breakthroughs and scientific publications.
• Navigate complex academic landscapes to create win-win scenarios that advance both FirstPrinciples' mission and partners' research goals.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Advanced degree in physics or related field (PhD strongly preferred).
• Experience: Proven track record of building collaborations within academia; prior faculty, institute administration, or academic liaison experience is a plus.
• Skills:
  • Deep understanding of academic culture, incentives, and operational structures (funding, publishing, partnerships).
  • Exceptional relationship-building and diplomatic skills.
  • Strong program management and strategic planning capabilities.
  • Ability to translate complex physics concepts for diverse audiences.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to bridge FirstPrinciples’ AI mission with academic research cultures.
• Mindset: Entrepreneurial approach with comfort in a fast-moving, mission-driven startup environment while respecting academic timelines and processes.
• Demonstrated passion for physics and for making scientific knowledge accessible and impactful.

Bonus Skills:

• Experience with large-scale international research collaborations (e.g., CERN, NASA, etc.).
• Familiarity with research funding structures (NSF, ERC, DOE, private foundations) and how to navigate them.
• Background in fundamental physics research or managing academic-industry partnerships.
  

Application Process:

• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their qualifications and vision for the role, and references. Please include "Director of Research Partnerships" in the cover letter.

Join us at FirstPrinciples and be a part of a transformative journey where science drives progress and unlocks the potential of humanity.