Theoretical Physicist

Pronoia; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Unlimited PTO

Professional development stipend

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Pronoia Energy in Torrance, California, is seeking a Theoretical Physicist to build the theoretical foundation of our quantum-energy-storage platform and steer experimental direction with the co-founders.

You will translate deep theory into actionable research, differentiate robust effects from artifacts, and help define the scientific roadmap. A PhD in physics and a track record in quantum thermodynamics or related fields are expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics with deep theory in a relevant subfield (quantum thermodynamics, condensed-matter theory, quantum optics, or statistical mechanics).
• Strong publication record, intellectual honesty and humility.
• Self-starter who thrives amid ambiguity and rapid iteration, turning theory into action.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine the theoretical foundations of the quantum-energy-storage approach.
• Derive testable predictions and translate deep theory into concrete experimental direction.
• Distinguish real effects from artifacts and keep the science honest.
• Partner directly with founders leading Research and Science.
• Help set the company's scientific roadmap and priorities.

Skills

Theoretical physics

Quantum thermodynamics

Condensed matter theory

Quantum optics

Statistics mechanics

Education

Physics PhD

Job description

Company Overview:

Pronoia Energy is a pioneering deep tech startup at the forefront of quantum energy storage innovation. As a lean, mission-driven team, we thrive on rapid prototyping, cross-disciplinary collaboration and solving complex engineering challenges to turn quantum physics into practical, scalable products. Our current focus is on developing our groundbreaking room-temperature macroscopic quantum energy storage technology that promises orders of magnitude greater energy density, faster charging, and higher power delivery as well as being cheaper and safer compared to existing battery technology. This represents a paradigm shift in energy storage with applications spanning consumer electronics, electric vehicles, renewable grids, and beyond.

Role Summary:

To meet our ambitious goals we are hiring a Theoretical Physicist to provide additional layers of validation for our innovative inventions. This will be an early scientist in our most fundamental research function, working directly with the co-founders. In this role, you will develop the theoretical foundation of our quantum-energy approach and derive what our experiments should show, identifying which directions are promising versus dead ends, and give the company a principled map of its upcoming frontier. You will partner directly with the co-founder leading Research and Science and translate deep theory into experimental direction the rest of the team can act on. This role is onsite in Torrance, California.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and refine the theoretical foundations of our quantum-energy-storage approach.

• Derive testable predictions and translate deep theory into concrete experimental direction.

• Distinguish real, robust effects from fragile or artifactual ones, keeping the science honest.

• Partner directly with the founders leading Research and Science.

• Help set the company's scientific roadmap and priorities.

Required Qualifications:

• A physics PhD with genuine theoretical depth in a relevant subfield, such as quantum thermodynamics, condensed-matter theory, quantum optics, or statistical mechanics.

• Published works, intellectual honesty and deep humility.

• A self-starter who thrives amid ambiguity and rapid iteration with the ability to turn theory into direction the rest of the team can act on.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience directly relevant to quantum batteries, superlattices, or solid-state energy storage.

• Standing relationships in the academic quantum-thermodynamics or condensed-matter communities.

• Experience translating theory into experimental programs.

• Prior work bridging academia and a company or national lab.

What We Offer:

• Chance to solve one of the world's biggest engineering challenges and pioneer quantum energy storage.

• The opportunity to be the founding scientist of a new field's company, with real ownership and direct partnership with a founder.

• Competitive salary, equity in a transformative startup, and performance-based incentives.

• Access to cutting-edge labs, tools, and resources in a flexible, collaborative work environment.

• Comprehensive benefits: health insurance, unlimited PTO, professional development stipend, and relocation assistance if needed.