Head of Research And Development

About the Role

Nordran is building measurable, controllable chemistry for liquid cooling systems that support AI infrastructure. Its patent-pending chemical and physical sensing approach is designed to continuously track coolant stability in hyperscale AI data centers so that signs of degradation can be caught before they lead to downtime. With pilot systems already being introduced, the company is now focused on improving performance, strengthening reliability, and bringing the platform to full commercial readiness.

The company is looking for a Head of Research & Development to raise system performance and harden the sensing platform for deployment at hyperscale. This is a hands-on leadership role centered on experimental rigor, product robustness, and long-term stability.

What You Will Do

• Drive the sensing platform toward commercial-grade robustness and top-end performance.
• Stretch the present sensing architecture to its technical limits.
• Lower variability, drift, and cross-sensitivity to defined target thresholds.
• Improve repeatability and stability across changes in solvent, temperature, and chemistry.
• Plan and run demanding stress, aging, and reliability validation programs.
• Find the main sources of performance loss and remove them systematically.
• Turn experimental results into practical product enhancements.
• Guide a small applied science team focused on targeted experiments.
• Own the reliability and stability outcomes needed for large-scale AI data center use.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong practical research background in systems where physical and chemical effects are tightly coupled.
• Deep commitment to reducing noise and tightening tolerances.
• Ability to reason in terms of governing variables, failure modes, and uncertainty limits.
• Capability to translate experimental discipline into product-level requirements.
• Clear, direct communication style paired with strong ownership.

Benefits

• Competitive pay plus a meaningful stock option package.
• High-autonomy leadership position in a fast-paced deep-tech startup.
• Opportunity to work on hardware used by leading AI infrastructure customers.
• Access to a modern Berlin lab and office, along with the tools, budget, and freedom to move quickly.
• A supportive, low-politics culture with strong ambition and a strong sense of ownership.

Additional Information

This role is intended for someone who wants to take a novel sensing platform to commercial-level performance and contribute to the expansion of AI infrastructure.