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 groundbreaking 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.