2026 PhD Residency - Non-Linear Physical Dynamics & Device Characterization (Future of Compute)

Project Goal

This is the flagship moonshot for 'The Future of Compute' at X (the Moonshot Factory). Our objective is to move away from the traditional paradigm of simulating physics on digital chips. Instead, we are building physical machines whose intrinsic dynamics ARE the computation itself, achieving a 1,000,000x improvement in useful compute per Joule.

How you will make 10x impact

• Collaborate on the physical modeling and physical characterization of nanoscale devices (e.g., RRAM, carbon nanotube FETs, and phase-locked micro-oscillators), focusing on mapping their non-linear phase-locking dynamics and non-equilibrium thermodynamics.
• Independently design and execute laboratory testing routines to characterize device-level non-linear activation functions, evaluating their suitability for physical neural network computation.
• Perform high-resolution noise-spectroscopy and time-domain measurements to analyze 1/f noise, thermal fluctuations, and resistance drift under long-term continuous operation.
• Analyze and model how ambient physical noise and stochastic thermal fluctuations can be harnessed as a computational resource for probabilistic computing (p-bits) and optimization, rather than suppressed.
• Investigate the physical coupling and synchronization dynamics of small arrays of physical oscillators, characterizing the limits of multi-phase locking and synchronization stability.
• Develop compact device behavioral models (e.g., Verilog-A, analytical Python equations) derived directly from physical measurements to update our circuit and system-level simulators.

What you should have

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering (solid-state electronics focus), or a related STEM field.
• Strong hands-on experience in the physical and electrical characterization of nanoscale devices (such as memristors/RRAM, nanoscale oscillators, or 2D materials) in a laboratory environment.
• Proficiency in scripting automated measurements (Python/PyVISA, LabVIEW) and analyzing complex physical and time-series datasets.
• Deep theoretical understanding of solid-state device physics, charge transport, noise processes, and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics.
• Ability to translate physical device behavior into analytical, numerical, or compact models (e.g., Python, MATLAB, COMSOL, or Verilog-A).

Additional public information

https://www.wired.com/video/watch/astro-teller-captain-of-moonshots-at-x-speaks-at-wired25

Compensation

The US base salary range for this position is $100,000 - $147,000 + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

EEO Statement

An Equal Opportunity Workplace. At X, we don't just accept difference - we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products and our community. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.