Research Membership

Join as a researcher or support professional. Retain 100% of the rights to your work. Publish under the institute's auspices or independently.

Research & Support Membership

For researchers who want to contribute to open theoretical physics, and professionals who want to support the institute's work. Reviewed application, approval required.

Apply Below

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Who This Membership Is For

Research membership is for people who want to actively contribute to the institute's work. Members either conduct research or provide the professional support that makes research possible. This is not a fan community or a discussion forum. Those looking to follow the research and join discussions should sign up through the PeepSo community instead.

Research Members

Researchers advancing theoretical physics

  • Conduct original research within the COSMIC Framework or adjacent fields
  • Lead programs and recruit project teams
  • Publish under the institute's auspices or independently
  • Retain 100% rights to all work you produce
  • Access collaborative resources and shared infrastructure
  • Co-author with other institute members
  • Contribute to framework validation and prediction testing

Support Members

Professionals who enable research excellence

  • Graphic design, illustration, and visual communication
  • Web development and technical infrastructure
  • Video production and editing
  • Technical writing and documentation
  • Legal, accounting, and operational support
  • Social media and outreach
  • Retain full rights to all creative work
  • Flexible engagement, project-by-project or ongoing

How It Works

Research Members are the intellectual core of the institute. They identify research questions, design projects, and recruit the people they need. They have full autonomy to assemble and run their own teams. There are no institutional gatekeepers. The work itself is the only standard.

Support Members contribute professional skills to active research projects. Engagements are primarily virtual and arranged directly between project leads and support members.

All members apply through this form regardless of how they first connected with the institute. This ensures proper coordination, transparency, and that everyone understands the IP and publication terms before beginning work.

Available Roles

Each role has a code. Enter the code(s) for the position(s) you are applying for in the application form below. All roles are part-time and flexible. Hours and scope are arranged directly with your program manager.

Research
R001A Research Lead / Program Manager PhD preferred

Leads a research program from start to finish: defining the question, designing the project, recruiting the team, and directing the work. The lead has full autonomy over scope and method. May publish under the institute's auspices or independently.

Typical skills & requirements
  • PhD or equivalent research experience in physics, mathematics, consciousness studies, or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated ability to design and execute original research
  • Strong scientific writing and publication record
  • Ability to direct and evaluate others' contributions
  • Self-directed; comfortable working without institutional infrastructure
R002A Research Associate Graduate-level

Contributes substantively to an ongoing research project under a program manager. May lead sub-components, conduct literature reviews, build models, and co-author publications.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Graduate-level background in physics, mathematics, or consciousness studies
  • Literature review and critical analysis
  • Mathematical modeling or computational methods
  • Scientific writing experience
R003A Research Assistant No experience required

Supports a research project with tasks assigned by the program manager. An entry point for students and self-taught individuals with strong curiosity. The program manager defines the work and provides all necessary guidance.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Genuine curiosity about physics, consciousness, or cosmology
  • Ability to follow direction and complete assigned tasks reliably
  • Basic research literacy: reading papers, organizing notes
  • Any analytical or technical skills are a bonus, not a requirement
R004A Data Analyst Technical background

Processes and analyzes datasets related to cosmological observations, quantum experiments, or framework validation. Produces visualizations and statistical summaries for research outputs.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Python, R, or Julia for data analysis
  • Statistical methods and hypothesis testing
  • Data visualization (matplotlib, Plotly, seaborn)
  • Familiarity with scientific data formats (FITS, CSV, HDF5)
R005A Computational Modeler Technical background

Builds numerical simulations to test COSMIC Framework predictions. Translates theoretical predictions into testable computational experiments in collaboration with research leads.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Numerical simulation (Python, C++, Julia, or MATLAB)
  • Physics or mathematics background
  • Experience with simulation frameworks or HPC environments
  • Version control and code documentation (GitHub)
R006A NBI / AI Systems Researcher Technical or philosophical

Investigates the framework's specific predictions about non-biological intelligence: embedding space topology, integrated information, and the I_crystallized theoretical node.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Machine learning or NLP background (PyTorch, transformers)
  • Philosophy of mind or consciousness studies
  • Familiarity with Tononi's IIT or related frameworks
  • Strong analytical writing
Operations & Administration
OA001A Financial Officer Financial background required

Manages financial records, contribution tracking, and tax compliance. Leads grant identification and proposal submissions. The most consequential support role for long-term institute growth.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Accounting, bookkeeping, or financial management experience
  • Grant research and proposal writing
  • Familiarity with research or non-profit funding landscapes
  • QuickBooks, Wave, or equivalent tools
  • Understanding of IRS reporting for independent organizations
OA002A Grant Writer / Proposal Specialist Writing and research background

Identifies funding opportunities from foundations, government programs, and private donors. Writes, submits, and tracks grant proposals. Responds to RFPs and maintains a proposal calendar.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Grant writing and proposal development experience
  • Knowledge of research funding databases (Grants.gov, Foundation Directory)
  • Strong persuasive writing and deadline discipline
  • Ability to translate scientific work into accessible language for non-specialist reviewers
OA003A Executive / Administrative Assistant Organizational skills

Supports the institute director and program managers with correspondence, scheduling, document management, and coordination tasks.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Calendar and email management
  • Document preparation (Word, Google Docs)
  • File organization and record keeping
  • Reliable, detail-oriented, and responsive
OA004A Secretary / Office Coordinator Administrative experience helpful

Handles day-to-day administrative tasks: correspondence, meeting notes, member onboarding documentation, and general coordination.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Professional written communication
  • Meeting minute-taking and document formatting
  • Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
  • Organizational reliability
OA005A Program Assistant No experience required

Works directly under a program manager, completing assigned tasks as directed. The program manager defines all work and provides guidance. Tasks vary by project.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Reliability and follow-through on assigned tasks
  • Clear communication when clarification is needed
  • Willingness to learn and take direction
  • Any relevant skills are a bonus, not a requirement
OA006A Legal Advisor Legal background required

Advisory role providing guidance on IP, publishing agreements, contributor contracts, entity formation, and regulatory compliance as the institute grows.

Typical skills & requirements
  • IP law, publishing law, or non-profit law
  • Contract drafting and review
  • Familiarity with open licensing (Creative Commons, MIT)
  • U.S. or international research law experience welcome
Communications & Media
CM001A Social Media Manager Platform experience required

Manages the institute's presence on Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms. Creates and schedules content, engages the audience, and grows organic reach for research updates.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Content creation for science or educational audiences
  • Platform management (Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, X)
  • Basic graphic design for social posts (Canva, Figma)
  • Analytics and audience growth strategies
  • Ability to translate complex science into accessible language
CM002A Video Producer / Media Creator Production experience required

Produces video content for YouTube and the website: explainer videos, research summaries, animations, and event recordings. Works from scripts provided by research leads.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Video editing (DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, or Final Cut)
  • Motion graphics or animation (After Effects, Runway ML)
  • Science communication sensibility
  • AI video generation tools (Runway, ElevenLabs) a strong plus
CM003A Science Writer / Editor Writing background required

Writes blog posts, newsletter content, and public-facing research summaries. Edits research outputs for clarity and public accessibility.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Science writing or journalism background
  • Ability to accurately represent complex physics for general readers
  • Editing and proofreading
  • SEO basics for web content a plus
CM004A Outreach & Communications Coordinator Communications background helpful

Manages press inquiries, drafts announcements, coordinates event promotion, and builds relationships with science journalists and media outlets.

Typical skills & requirements
  • PR, communications, or journalism background
  • Press release writing and media list management
  • Event promotion and coordination
  • Email newsletter management (Mailchimp or equivalent)
CM005A Copy Editor Editing background required

Reviews and edits written content across all institute outputs: research summaries, blog posts, website copy, grant proposals, and correspondence. Ensures accuracy, clarity, consistency of voice, and adherence to American English usage.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Professional editing or proofreading experience
  • Strong command of American English grammar, style, and usage
  • Familiarity with a style guide (Chicago, APA, or equivalent)
  • Ability to edit scientific content without distorting meaning
  • Attention to detail and consistent turnaround reliability
CM006A Video Editor Editing experience required

Assembles and edits video footage, narration, and graphics into finished productions for YouTube and the institute website. Works from raw assets and direction provided by the media producer or research lead.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Video editing proficiency (DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, or Final Cut)
  • Color grading and audio mixing basics
  • Experience cutting educational, documentary, or explainer content
  • Ability to hit deadlines and work from a brief
  • Motion graphics (After Effects) a plus
CM007A Public Relations Manager PR or communications background

Develops and executes the institute's public relations strategy. Builds relationships with science journalists, podcast hosts, and media outlets. Manages press coverage of validated predictions, book releases, and major research milestones.

Typical skills & requirements
  • PR, communications, or journalism background
  • Media relationship management and pitch writing
  • Crisis communication awareness
  • Experience placing stories in science, technology, or mainstream media
  • Strong written and verbal communication
Technical & Design
TD001A Webmaster / Web Developer Web development required

Maintains and expands the institute's websites (eequalsicsquared.com on GitHub Pages; michaelkbaines.com on WordPress). Implements new features and ensures cross-page consistency.

Typical skills & requirements
  • HTML, CSS, JavaScript
  • GitHub Pages and static site deployment
  • WordPress administration and plugin management
  • Supabase or equivalent for authentication a strong plus
  • Responsive design and accessibility standards
TD002A Graphic Designer / Illustrator Design portfolio required

Creates visual assets for the website, publications, social media, and presentations. Develops diagrams, infographics, and illustrations that make complex physics accessible.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Affinity
  • Scientific illustration or data visualization
  • Brand consistency and design system thinking
  • SVG production for web
  • Motion graphics or 3D (After Effects, Spline) a plus
TD003A Data Visualization Specialist Technical and design background

Transforms research datasets and simulation outputs into publication-quality charts, diagrams, and interactive web visualizations.

Typical skills & requirements
  • D3.js, Plotly, matplotlib, or seaborn
  • Scientific visualization principles and accuracy
  • HTML/CSS for interactive web charts
  • Physics or mathematics literacy
TD004A Technical Writer / Documentation Writing and technical background

Produces clear documentation for research methodologies, code repositories, website features, and member onboarding materials.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Technical writing and structured documentation
  • Markdown, GitHub wikis, or Notion
  • Ability to understand and accurately document technical processes
  • Science or engineering background a plus
Student
ST001A Student Contributor Currently enrolled

For current students at any level. high school, undergraduate, or graduate. who want to contribute to the institute as part of a school project, independent study, capstone, or thesis. The program manager will work with you to define a scope that fits your timeline and academic requirements. A letter of participation can be provided for your institution if needed.

Typical requirements
  • Currently enrolled in an accredited school, college, or university program
  • A defined project or assignment that the institute contribution will support
  • Ability to communicate your timeline and deliverable requirements clearly
  • No prior research experience required. curiosity and commitment are what matter
  • Supervision or sign-off from a faculty advisor may be required depending on your institution
Observer
OB001A Observer Open to all

An Observer is a member of the public with a genuine interest in the institute's work. Observers are not contributors or employees. They receive access to selected team meetings and are invited to open Zoom calls. Observers stay informed about research progress as it develops. Observer status is reviewed and approved like all other roles.

Typical skills & requirements
  • Genuine interest in theoretical physics, consciousness studies, or open science
  • Professional or respectful conduct in meetings and calls
  • No research or technical background required
  • Observers may not direct or contribute to research. Contributing to research requires applying for a research or support role.

Membership Application

Applications are reviewed by the institute. Research and support member applications are typically processed within two to three weeks. We will contact you at the email address you provide.

Personal Information

Membership Type

Availability & Expected Duration

Professional Background

Research Interests

Support Skills & Services

About Your Interest

Supporting Documents (Optional)

Agreement

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