Physicist Wanted as Partner and Future Owner of RP Photonics

RP Photonics operates the RP Photonics Encyclopedia, the RP Photonics Buyer's Guide and various simulation software products, with the flagship product being RP Fiber Power. Our focus is on laser physics and technology, fiber optics and nonlinear optics, although the Encyclopedia spans the whole field of photonics. Revenue comes mainly from our digital marketing and software license sales. The company has been increasingly profitable for over 20 years, has no debt, and is fully owned by its founder, Dr. Rüdiger Paschotta.

The founder intends to continue working for at least ten more years, but wants to gradually hand over responsibility to the successor well before retiring. The company is small, independent and is expected to stay based in Switzerland.

Initially, in a test phase of e.g. one year: senior physicist and editor, employed full-time, working largely from home with occasional meetings in Frauenfeld. Envisaged tasks:

• Developing further the Encyclopedia and Buyer's Guide – content and concepts, monetization, customer handling.
• Developing further the software business – new features and products, identifying opportunities, marketing, customer support.
• Over time: the commercial and strategic management of the company.

Creative inputs from the candidate will be welcome.

After that period, if both sides are satisfied: partner, with a defined path to acquiring shares at a formula value. Over roughly ten years: managing director and majority owner, with the founder retaining a minority stake at least for a transition period.

• A doctorate in physics or a closely related field, with deep and broad knowledge of optics, fibers and lasers, and good general knowledge in photonics.
• Significant experience in physical modeling, simulation and programming – e.g., numerical simulation of lasers, amplifiers or optical components, and the ability to develop and maintain software products; experience with Python and a compiled language is an advantage, as is the willingness to work with an existing large code base (Delphi) alongside modern tools.
• Clear, precise scientific writing in English; the ability to explain complex physics correctly and readably.
• An interest in the commercial side: customers, advertisers, pricing, the economics of a small company.
• Several years of experience after the doctorate, in research, industry or teaching.
• Readiness to live in Switzerland, preferably not too far from Frauenfeld, with the right to live and work in Switzerland (Swiss or EU/EFTA citizenship, or an existing Swiss residence permit). German is not required at the start but should be learned within a few years.
• Willingness to occasionally travel to conferences, exhibitions, networking events (a few times per year).
• The intention to commit to this company for the long term, including as its owner. This is a succession, not just an employment.

• A reputable company that works: profitable over many years, debt-free, with a brand that has earned a strong international reputation and trust over more than two decades.
• Independent, varied work: physics, writing, software, customers, strategy – in a company small enough that everything one does matters. Thus the opportunity to engage with lots of interesting issues and build a wide and deep expertise, including experience in business matters.
• Substantial flexibility, e.g. concerning when and how to do the work.
• Real influence on the company’s direction: You need to convince the founder, but since we don’t depend on hardware or fabrication, many directions are open.
• A handover planned over years, with the founder available throughout. Responsibilities can be transferred gradually.
• Starting salary around CHF 120,000–140,000, depending on experience, plus a pension plan well above the legal minimum; later a salary at the level of a managing director.
• A path to increasing ownership at a formula-based price; no need for outside capital. Shares pay attractive dividends.
• A stable low-stress environment: high expectations concerning productivity and quality, but little short-term pressure and a warm, supportive atmosphere.
• Support with relocation and with practical questions for partner and family.

Please send us:

1. A CV and a short letter explaining your interest and your qualification.
2. A sample of your own scientific writing (paper, thesis chapter, etc.).
3. If possible, suitable references.

The process: beginning with a video interview, later a personal interview in Frauenfeld. Extensive discussions for ensuring that everything fits. We expect to make a decision within a couple of weeks after the interviews and start the employment phase as soon as suitable for both sides. We are in no hurry and would rather wait than compromise on suitability.

Detailed financial information and the terms of the envisaged share path are shared with serious candidates at the interview stage, under a confidentiality agreement.

Applications are treated confidentially. Questions to Rüdiger Paschotta, see our contact page.