Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer; CSO

Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

Zero Locus is an independent AI research lab pioneering next-generation world models — advanced simulation and predictive systems that model complex real-world dynamics with high fidelity. As a specialized affiliate of Kode Meridian LLC, our research directly powers a suite of AI products designed to predict customer intent, simulate business outcomes, and automate demand generation for global enterprises in Financial Services, Healthcare, and Real Estate.

We are building a lean, high-impact lab where rigorous academic research meets pragmatic deployment. We don’t just publish; we build the foundational AI for industry use.

We are seeking a visionary Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer to lead our scientific mission from the ground up. As the technical heart of Zero Locus, you will define our research vision, architect our core world models, and ensure our breakthroughs translate into great products. This is a unique “Founding Partner” opportunity for a PhD-level ML expert who wants the autonomy of a lab with the financial engine of a product-led parent company.

• Scientific Leadership: Define and continuously evolve the research agenda for next-generation world models, with a focus on achieving high-fidelity simulation, long-horizon prediction, and automation capabilities tailored to complex domains such as finance, healthcare, and professional services.
• Core Model Development: Architect, prototype, and iteratively advance generative and simulation-based world models, drawing on probabilistic inference, sequential decisions, multimodal learning, and related techniques to push state-of-the-art performance.
• Research-to-Product Translation: Partner closely with Kode Meridian’s product and engineering teams to convert research breakthroughs into production-grade features, including customer intent prediction, business outcome simulation, and automated demand-generation systems.
• Thought Leadership & IP: Publish high-impact research in top venues, file strategic patents, represent Zero Locus at conferences and in the AI community, and build the lab’s reputation as a leader in world modeling and applied foundation models.
• Fundraising & Technical Storytelling: Co-lead pre‑seed and subsequent fundraising efforts with the CEO, owning the technical narrative, preparing compelling demos/proofs‑of‑concept, and articulating the scientific roadmap to investors.
• Team Building & Lab Scaling: Recruit, mentor, and grow a world‑class technical research team (research scientists, engineers, and collaborators) once funding is secured, establishing rigorous scientific processes and culture.

• Educational Background: PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, or a closely related quantitative discipline.
• Technical Expertise: Strong publication record or demonstrated impact in ML research, particularly in areas such as probabilistic modeling, Bayesian methods, time‑series/sequential prediction, generative models (e.g., diffusion, VAEs, or autoregressive approaches), or world/simulation modeling. Hands‑on mastery of modern deep learning frameworks (PyTorch strongly preferred) and fluent Python development.
• Pragmatic Innovation: Proven ability to translate cutting‑edge research into practical, scalable systems that solve real-world problems. Bonus for prior experience in large‑scale industrial AI environments (e.g., at FAANG, major labs like Deep Mind/OpenAI/Anthropic, or applied AI startups) or shipping production ML features.
• Domain Affinity: Genuine interest and/or prior exposure to applications in Finance, Healthcare, Real Estate, or other high‑stakes professional services domains where predictive simulation and intent modeling create significant value.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Strong co‑founder DNA — excitement about owning significant equity in an early‑stage lab, comfort wearing multiple hats (research, fundraising, team‑building), and a track record or clear desire to balance rigorous science with fast business iteration and product impact.

• Equity: 33% Founder Equity (fully vested upon closing pre‑seed round).
• Salary: Competitive salary begins immediately upon closing financing (in progress).
• Flexibility: Initially remote‑first with flexible hours, transitioning to full‑time eventually.
• Impact: Direct ownership of a lab fueling a diverse portfolio of high‑growth AI sectors.

To Apply:

If you are a PhD‑level expert ready to define the future of world models, let’s build something transformative together. Please email  with your CV.

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