FirstPrinciples

AI-for-science nonprofit accelerating discovery in quantum theory, cosmology, and particle physics.

Research AI for Science / Nonprofit Research
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Global (remote-first) HQ
11-50 company size
2024 founded

What is FirstPrinciples?

FirstPrinciples is a nonprofit research organization founded in 2024 by tech entrepreneur Ildar Shar with a singular mission: understand the fundamental nature of reality by combining artificial intelligence and fundamental physics. The organization positions itself as a new model for scientific research, operating with the urgency and efficiency of a tech startup, combined with the purpose and patience of a long-horizon nonprofit. Independent and global, FirstPrinciples supports high-risk, high-reward research that tackles the biggest unsolved problems in physics. Focus areas include quantum theory, cosmology, and particle physics; unconventional approaches and ambitious projects with original ideas are explicitly prioritized over incremental work. The foundation is organized under both US (501(c)(3) pending/granted) and Canadian entities (firstprinciplesfoundation), with team and partners distributed globally rather than tied to a single office.

Mission & values

Understand the fundamental nature of reality, combine artificial intelligence and fundamental physics to build systems that accelerate scientific discovery.

Qualifications

FirstPrinciples hires across research (physics PhDs, postdocs across quantum theory / cosmology / particle physics), AI/ML engineering (foundation models for science, scientific code, mathematical reasoning), software & infra (compute orchestration, datasets), operations, and program management. As a global remote-first nonprofit, most roles are open to candidates worldwide who can collaborate across time zones; senior researcher roles may require periodic travel to partner institutions. Strong fit for candidates who want to apply AI to fundamental physics without commercial-product pressure. Apply via firstprinciples.org or the LinkedIn company page.

Hiring process

  1. 1

    Application

    Apply via firstprinciples.org or LinkedIn with a short statement of research interests.

  2. 2

    Initial conversation

    Mission-fit discussion with the program lead for the relevant research area.

    About 5 days

  3. 3

    Research / technical deep-dive

    Walkthrough of past work; for researchers, a paper or proposal discussion.

    About 7 days

  4. 4

    Collaboration session

    Live problem-solving or research-design exercise with the team.

    About 7 days

  5. 5

    Reference check + offer

    Reference calls and offer discussion.

    About 5 days

Funding

StageBootstrapped
Investors
Philanthropic funding (nonprofit 501(c)(3) / Canadian foundation)

Awards & recognition

  • Founded 2024 as a nonprofit AI-for-science research org · 2024

    FirstPrinciples

  • Founder Ildar Shar, tech entrepreneur turned philanthropist · 2024

    FirstPrinciples

Company information

Frequently asked questions

Who founded FirstPrinciples?
Tech entrepreneur Ildar Shar founded FirstPrinciples in 2024. He combines entrepreneurial experience in the tech industry with a long-standing curiosity about the nature of reality.
What is FirstPrinciples' mission?
To understand the fundamental nature of reality by combining artificial intelligence and fundamental physics, building systems that accelerate scientific discovery.
Is FirstPrinciples a startup or nonprofit?
A nonprofit (501(c)(3) US + Canadian foundation entity) that operates with the urgency and efficiency of a tech startup combined with long-horizon nonprofit purpose.
What research areas are in scope?
Quantum theory, cosmology, and particle physics, with explicit preference for high-risk, high-reward, unconventional approaches.
Where is FirstPrinciples based?
Independent and global; the team and partners are distributed worldwide rather than tied to a single office, with US and Canadian foundation entities.
How can I apply?
Browse opportunities at firstprinciples.org and via the LinkedIn company page (firstprinciplesfoundation).

Stay in the loop.

One email per week, 5 hand-picked roles.